Panaji: With the tourism department nominating Mandrem and Galgibaga beaches under the internationally recognised Blue Flag certification programme, the department has asked the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to monitor the beach water quality till Oct.While the GSPCB has already collected 36 water samples since May, more samples will be collected in July during the monsoon and later in Oct after the monsoon.“The tourism department has requested the pollution control board to undertake regular sampling and analysis of water quality parameters at the Mandrem and Galgibaga beaches. Initially, it was proposed to collect and analyse three samples per month per beach location, covering the identified stretches. The expenditure towards sampling, transportation and laboratory analysis of 36 samples was worked out to approximately Rs 3.6 lakh,” said a department official.The Blue Flag certification mandates compliance with prescribed environmental and water quality standards, including monitoring of beach water quality along the designated stretch identified as the safe swimming zone by the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS). This certification is based on 33 stringent criteria under four major heads of environmental education, bathing water quality, environment management and conservation and safety on the beaches.In 2020, Goa’s efforts to obtain the prestigious Blue Flag certification for Miramar, Calangute, Morjim, Colva and Vagator encountered unclean waters. Officials said that the water quality did not meet the certification requirements.The Blue Flag programme for beaches, marinas and tourism boats is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) Denmark.This time around, the department has picked just two beaches and collected samples are being analysed for microbiological parameters including dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, floating material, colour, turbidity, oil, grease, e coli and faecal streptococci.The GSPCB members met this month, where they approved the proposal to continue collection and analysis of beach water samples during the monsoon season and post-monsoon season to assess seasonal variations and identify probable causes before the state submits the nominations for scrutiny by the national-level Blue Flag secretariat.
