The River Rejuvenation Committee

Government of Goa

Name of the work: Preparation of Action Plan for

Rejuvenation of Polluted Stretches of Rivers in Goa

Action Plan Report on Khandepar River

March 2019
River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Contents
Executive Summary: 4

Action Plan Strategies: 9

1. Brief about Khandepar River: 14

1.1. River Khandepar: .................................................................................................................. 14

1.2. Water Quality of River Khandepar: ....................................................................................... 15

1.3. Water Sampling Results: ....................................................................................................... 16

1.4. Data Analysis and interpretation: .......................................................................................... 19

1.5. Action Plan Strategies: .......................................................................................................... 20

1.6. Major Concerns: .................................................................................................................... 20

2. Source Control: 21

3. River Catchment Management: 23

4. Flood Plain Zone: 23

5. Greenery Development- Plantation Plan: 24

6. Ecological / Environmental Flow (E-Flow): 25

7. Action Plan Strategies: 27

7.1. Conclusion & Remark: .......................................................................................................... 28

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Index of Tables
Table 1 Barrages on Khandepar River. ................................................................................................................... 7

Table 2 Sampling locations of Khandepar River ................................................................................................... 15

Table 3 Khandepar River parameters at Opa Ponda ............................................................................................ 17

Table 4 Khandepar River parameters at Codli (u/s of Opa Water works) ............................................................ 18

Table 5 Barrages on Khandepar River. ................................................................................................................. 25

Table of Maps
Map 1 Map showing the Khandepar River Stretch in Goa State. .......................................................................... 11

Map 2 Khandepar –Polluted Stretch (10 km) From Codli to Opa water works ...................................................... 12

Map 3 Map showing stretch of Khandepar River................................................................................................... 14

Map 4 Map showing the Sampling location on Khandepar River .......................................................................... 15

Map 5 Map showing Pollutants to the Khandepar River ........................................................................................ 22

Table of Images
Image 1 Dudhsagar fall on Khandepar River .......................................................................................................... 5

Image 2 Water sampling in Nov. 2018 at Khandepar River. ................................................................................. 16

Image 3 Orchard & Coconut Tree along the Bank of Khandepar River................................................................. 24

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Abbreviations
BOD Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi

DO Dissolved Oxygen Content

DMA Directorate of Municipal Administration, Panjim Goa

GSPCB Goa State Pollution Control Board, Panjim Goa

FC Faecal Coliform

MBGL Meters below ground levels

MLD Million litters per Day

NEERI National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Nagpur

NGT National Green Tribunal

PWD Public Work Department of Goa State

SEAC State Level Environment Expert Appraisal Committee

SEIAA State level Environment Impact Assessment Authority.

Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa

SIDCGL
Limited, Panjim Goa.

TC Total Coliform

ULB Urban Local Body

WRD Water Resources Department of Goa

References

 Salinity report by GSPCB, Panjim Goa.

 Annual parameters monitoring by GSPCB (from 2015 till 2018).

 Integrated Coastal Zone Management of Coastal Zone in Goa – Council of Scientific

& Industrial Research July 2013.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Executive Summary:

Khandepar River originates in the hilly region (upstream side of Codli village) on western
part of the state of the Karnataka. The river enters in the state of Goa through the Castle
rock heights and plunges down as a famous waterfall ‘Dudhsagar fall’, travels about 33 km
before it meets Mandovi River near Khandepar. The river flows through areas like
Khandepar, Tisk Codar, Opa and Codli before it discharges into Mandovi River near
Khandepar.

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) monitors the water quality of River
Khandepar at two locations (i.e. Opa Ponda & Codli- u/s of Opa Water works) between the
polluted stretches of the Khandepar River, i.e. Ponda to Opa, which is having 10 Kms (i.e.
from Codli to Opa water works & Downstream of Opa water works to Savoi -verem where it
discharges in to the Mandovi River) in length.

The said monitoring by GSPCB is carried out on a monthly basis throughout the year under
the National Water quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP). This Stretch of the River
Khandepar between Ponda to Opa is classified as Class C (for Drinking water source after
conventional treatment and disinfection). On the basis of GSPCB reports, Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) has classified Khandepar River (Stretch from Codli to Opa) under
Priority V, is having BOD level 3.4 mg/lit.

The Report of Monitoring for the period April 2015 to November, 2018 at two locations (i.e.
Codli & U/s of Opa water works) for the parameters of DO, BOD and Total Coliform have
been taken into consideration for the preparation of Action Plan. The observed DO levels in
the polluted river stretch between Codli to Opa water works as can be seen from the GSPCB
monitoring reports are well above the desired level of 5 mg/l required for bathing water
quality1 (The river stretch is non saline, i.e. Class-C river wherein the quality of the water
shall be suitable for drinking purpose after necessary treatment and disinfection as per
Environment protection act 1986). The observed BOD levels in the polluted river stretch
between Codli to U/s of Opa water works as can be seen from the GSPCB monitoring
reports are well below the desired level of 3 mg/l required for bathing water quality. The
observed TC levels in the polluted river stretch Codli to U/s of Opa water works as can be
seen from the GSPCB monitoring reports are above the desired levels of 5000 MPN/ 100ML
for bathing water quality.

1 NGT Order dated 20th Sept. 2018, P.N.15,S.N.40

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Image 1 Dudhsagar fall on Khandepar River

During the survey conducted for identification of pollution sources, it has been observed that
the untreated domestic sewage outfalls mainly from the Khandepar, Opa, Kodar, Codli, Tisk
Usgao contributing to the values of faecal & total coliform in the polluted stretch.

The proposed action plan for Khandepar River comprises of the following key issues and
action necessary to be implemented:

A. Source Control: The source control includes the industrial pollution control and
treatment and disposal of domestic sewage, as detailed below;

a) Industrial Pollution Control: The source identification studies were conducted during
the month of January and February 2019. There are no industrial outfalls contributing
the pollution in this stretch, except overflows/ outfalls from the mining areas near Codli
during monsoon in the nearby vicinity. Sanjeevani Sakhar Karkhana, MRF Industries
Ltd and Finolex Industries Ltd are located along the northern bank of the River,
however they have their own independent treatment plants wherein the treated water is
partly recycled and remaining used for gardening, hence there is no discharge from
these Industries into the Khandepar River.

b) Channelization, treatment, utilisation and disposal of treated domestic sewage:

 The physical survey carried out during January and February2019, the domestic
untreated sewage discharge is observed from the areas like Khandepar, Kodar, Opa,
Tisk Usgaon, and Codli along the bank of the river.
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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

 Discharge from individual house directly into the River and also into storm water
drains/Nallahs leading to the River were observed on the Northern as well as
Southern Bank during the physical survey. The Directorate of Panchayat and
Directorate of health services will initiate the following action through village
Panchayat and the health officers after carrying out detail survey.

1. Disconnection of the direct discharge into the river/storm water drain/Nallah.

2. Installation of Bio toilets.

3. Construction of septic tank and soak pits by residential houses and monitoring
the frequent cleaning the septic tanks in order to avoid untreated domestic
sewage discharge in to the natural drains.

B. River Catchment / Basin Management: Controlled ground water extraction and

periodic quality assessment.

i. Periodic monitoring of ground water resources and regulation of ground water

extraction by industries particularly in over exploited and critical zones:

The central Ground Water Board has carried out survey of Aquifer System in the State
of Goa in Sept. 2013. After studying the aquifer report, it is observed that the ground
water table along the Khandepar river stretch is 2 m to 5 m below the ground level
during Post monsoon season. The water table lowers down in summer by 2 to 4 M. As
the ground water table is high within the Khandepar river basin, there are no such
actions proposed for improvement of the ground water table2.

C. Flood Plain Zone:

i. Regulating activity in flood plain zone:

During the physical survey, domestic untreated sewage disposal in the storm water
drains/ Nallahs is observed near, Codli, Khandepar, Codar. The Directorate of
Panchayat and Directorate of health services will initiate action through the Village
Panchayat and Health Officer Concern to ensure that the domestic sewage is diverted
to septic tank and soak pit.

2 Aquifer System of Goa, Central Ground Water Board Sept. 2013

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

ii. Management of Municipal, Plastic Hazardous Bio-Medical & Electrical and

Electronic Waste:

The Local bodies are collecting segregated non bio degradable waste which is sent to
the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) and subsequently transported to
the baling station at Verna within the state which has its own solid waste management
facility including windrows composting, baling and a landfill. The baled non-
biodegradable waste is thereafter transported to cement plants in Karnataka for co-
incineration. The remaining Panchayats are predominantly having single dwelling units
and there is no major issue of disposal of biodegradable waste.

However, improvement in the house to house collection of segregated waste and

necessary installation of transfer station for non-biodegradable waste would be
completed within period of 6 months. Necessary direction for the same will be issued
by the Directorate of Panchayat.

iii. Greenery Development – Plantation Plan:

It was observed during the Physical survey that there are extensive coconut, orchards,
and other local species along both the bank of the River.

D. Ecological / Environmental Flow (E-Flow):

i. Issues relating to E- Flow: There are in all 18 Bandhara’s constructed on the

Khandepar River to fulfil the water demand in the surrounding vicinity.

Table 1 Barrages on Khandepar River.

Sr. No. Name of Bandharas Storage in Lakh Cu. M.

1. Opa Barrage 5.00

2. Okhamba 2.00

3. Signewal 2.00

4. Kumbharwadi 2.15

5. Dhaucond 1.50

6. Tatodi 1.37

7. Kodli 2.00

8. Matojanwada 1.50

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Sr. No. Name of Bandharas Storage in Lakh Cu. M.

9. Velipwada 1.80

10. Shigao 1.75

11. Bimbol 2.61

12. Collem -1, Collem -2 4.00

13. Biskar _

14. Babulwada _

15. Durkarkond _

16. Devlemol _

17. Pimple Queen _

18. Kale _

Lift irrigation Scheme: _

1. Nirankal – in operation _
_
2. Tatodi – not in operation

The Mhadei Water Dispute tribunal has passed an award on 14th August 2018 in which
the State of Karnataka have been directed to insure sufficient flows in order to maintain
the E-flow in the River Khandepar basin in Goa State. Further the water of 50 MLD is
release from Salaulim dam to Kale during the lean season to maintain the E-flow
throughout the year. The state WRD is also maintaining the E-flow during summer
season by pumping the water from the mining pits along the river bank. The WRD is
also pumping 40 MLD water from Ganje to Opa during summer.

ii. Irrigation practices: Water from Khandepar has been used to fulfil the drinking water
demand and some extent Irrigation purpose in nearby areas through the lift irrigation
schemes. Khandepar River is the source of drinking water for 30% population of the
state of Goa3 through WTP schemes built on Khandepar River near Opa. The nearby
farms, use this water for irrigation. The water from the Opa Weir is released for
irrigation purpose from the month of December to May.

3 Report on Status of India’s Rivers for India River Week, 2016

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Action Plan Strategies:

The action plan strategies based on the sampling analysis of the GSPCB, site survey and
observations are listed below. These strategies are classified on the basis of the existing
proposal in place, recommended up gradation in order to achieve the desired objective on
short term and long term basis.
Sr. Action Strategy River Stretch Agency Time
No. Frame
1. Disconnection of direct discharges of Codli to U/s of Directorate of 6 months
domestic sewage into the Khandepar. Opa water Panchayat,
River/storm water drains/ nallah. works Directorate of
 Disconnection of the direct a) Khandepar Health
discharge into the river/storm b) Usgao Services;
water drain / Nallah.

 Construction of septic tank and

soak pits by residential houses
and monitoring the frequent
cleaning the septic tanks in order
to avoid untreated domestic
sewage discharge in to the natural
drains.

2. The State of Goa has identified site The Common Goa Waste 18 months
for construction of Common Bio-medical Management
Biomedical waste at Kundaim waste treatment Corporation
Industrial Estate. The National facility at
Environmental Engineering Research Kundaim will
Institute (NEERI, Nagpur) has treat all the Bio-
conducted the EIA study. The study medical waste
report has been submitted to the generated in the
SEIAA /SEAC seeking Environmental State of Goa.
Clearance for the facility. The facility
expected to be commissioned and
operation within next 18 months. In
the meanwhile the Healthcare
facilities have their own treatment
facilities such as Autoclave, Deep

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Sr. Action Strategy River Stretch Agency Time

No. Frame
burial pit and encapsulation pit,
needle burners etc.
3. The Goa Waste Management The complete Goa Waste Ongoing
Corporation and Producer state of Goa Management
Responsibility organization are Corporation
collecting the E-waste generated
throughout the State and the E waste
is there after transported to authorized
recyclers in other states.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Introduction:
Khandepar River originates in the hilly region (upstream side of Codli village) on western
part of the state of the Karnataka. The river enters in the state of Goa through the Castle
rock heights and plunges down as a famous waterfall ‘Dudhsagar fall’, travels about 33 km
before it meets Mandovi River near Khandepar. The river flows through areas like
Khandepar, Tisk Codar, Opa and Codli before it discharges into Mandovi River near
Khandepar. The catchment area of the Khandepar River is about 380 Sq. Km and out of
which 24 Sq. Km. is notified saline stretch4.

Map 1 Map showing the Khandepar River Stretch in Goa State.

The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) monitors the water quality on a monthly
basis throughout the year in Khandepar River under the Central Pollution Control Board
Programme at two locations, namely, Codli (u/s of Opa) & Opa (U/s of Opa Waterworks). On
the basis of GSPCB reports, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has classified
Khandepar River (from Codli u/s of Opa till Codli) under priority V, having BOD level 3.4
mg/lit.

4 WRD justification about water disputes Nov. 2017.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Map 2 Khandepar –Polluted Stretch (10 km) From Codli to Opa water works

During the Physical Survey it has been observed that there are indigenous / endemic flora,
Coconut & Cashew plantations along the bank of the River. Direct discharge of untreated
domestic sewage from individual households into the River and storm water drains / nallah
leading to the river were observed.

a) Objectives:

The Hon’ble National Green Tribunal in the Original Application No 673 of 2018, vide its
Order dated 20th September, 2018 directed the State Governments to prepare an Action
Plan within two months for bringing all the polluted river stretches to be fit at least for
drinking water source after treatment and disinfection (i. e. BOD < 3 mg/L and TC < 5000
MPN/100 ml for C- Class rivers as per Environment Protection act 1986) within 6 months
from the date of finalisation of the action plans.

In the said order the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal has directed that the Action Plan
should cover aspects pertaining to Source control, Industrial Pollution Control,
Channelization treatment, utilisation and disposal of treated domestic sewage, river
catchment/ basin management /control, ground water extraction and periodic quality
assessment, flood plain zone , ecological / environmental flow (e-flow) and such other issues
may be found relevant for restoring water quality to the prescribed standards. The Hon’ble
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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

National Green Tribunal in their order has further directed to take into account the Model
Action Plan for Hindon River, already prepared by CPCB while preparing the Action plans for
other polluted river stretches.

Vide the said order the Hon’ble NGT directed that the four member committee comprising of
Director Environment, Director Urban Development, Director Industries and Member
Secretary, State Pollution Control Board shall be the Monitoring Committee for the execution
of the Action Plan. The Committee shall be called “River rejuvenation Committee (RRC)” and
will function under the overall supervision & co-ordination of the principal Secretary of the
concern state. The action plan shall include components like identification of polluting
sources including functioning / status of STP’s, ETP’s CETP, and solid wastes management
processing facilities, quantification and characterisation of solid waste, trade & sewage
generated in the catchment areas of polluted river stretch. The action plan should address
issues related to, ground water extraction, adopting good irrigation practices, protection and
management of flood plain zones, rain water harvesting, ground water charging, maintaining
minimum environmental flow of rivers & plantation on both sides of the river.

The Hon. NGT has directed that setting of bio-diversity Park on flood plains by removing
encroachments shall be considered as an important component of river rejuvenation. The
action plan is expected to focus on proper interception and diversion of sewage carrying
drains to the sewage treatment plant and emphasis should be on utilisation of treated
sewage so as to minimise extraction of ground or surface water.

The Hon’ble NGT has directed to ensure that the action plan should have definite or specific
timelines for execution steps. The State Government is required to set up a special
environment surveillance task force in terms of this order. The said task force has to ensure
that no illegal mining takes place in river bed of such polluted stretches. The river
rejuvenation committee is directed to have web site inviting public participation from
educational, religious institutions and commercial establishment. The achievement and
failure may also be published on such website. The Committee may consider suitably
rewarding those contributing significantly to the success of the project.

The RRC’s will have the authority to recover the cost rejuvenation in Polluter pays Principal
from those whose may be responsible for the pollution, to the extent found necessary. In this
case principal laid down by this tribunal in the said order. Voluntary donations, CSR
contribution voluntary services and private participation may be considered in consultation
with the RRC.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

1. Brief about Khandepar River:

1.1. River Khandepar:

Khandepar River originates in the hilly region (upstream side of Codli village) on western
part of the state of the Karnataka. The river enters in the state of Goa through the Castle
rock heights and plunges down as a famous waterfall ‘Dudhsagar fall’, travels about 33 km
before it meets Mandovi River near Khandepar. The river flows through areas like
Khandepar, Tisk Codar, Opa and Codli before it discharges into Mandovi River near
Khandepar. The catchment area of the Khandepar River is about 380 Sq. Km and out of
which 24 Sq. Km. is notified saline stretch5.

Map 3 Map showing stretch of Khandepar River

Nomenclature Identification
Khandepar river stretch

The water sampling was carried out by GSPCB under NWMP, as per directions of the CPCB
for the stretch between Opa Ponda & Codli- u/s of Opa Water works having length 33 Kms,

5 WRD justification about water disputes Nov. 2017.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

at two locations, viz. U/S of Opa water works and Codli- u/s of Opa water works. The
monitoring reports at two locations have been summarized in following table:

Table 2 Sampling locations of Khandepar River

Location Co-ordinates

Latitude Longitude

Opa Ponda 15o24'38.10"N 73°3’16.67"E

Codli near Bridge, u/s OPA 15o21'28.64"N 74°7’36.05"E

waterworks, Sanguem

The map showing the locations of the sampling is referred in map below.

Map 4 Map showing the Sampling location on Khandepar River

Nomenclature Identification
NWMP Sampling point location on Khandepar river

1.2. Water Quality of River Khandepar:

For the purpose of conceptualising the action plan for the polluted river stretch of Khandepar
River the data of water quality monitoring carried out by GSPCB for three seasons was

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

considered from year 2015 to 2018, the reports for the same have been summarized as
below:

a) Pre monsoon (January - May)

b) Monsoon (June – September)

c) Post Monsoon (October - December)

1.3. Water Sampling Results:

The water sampling was carried out by GSPCB under NWMP, as per directions of the CPCB
for the stretch between Opa Ponda & Codli- u/s of Opa Water works having length 33 Kms,
at two locations, viz. U/S of Opa water works and Codli- u/s of Opa water works. The
monitoring reports at two locations have been summarized in following table:

Image 2 Water sampling in Nov. 2018 at Khandepar River.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Table 3 Khandepar River parameters at Opa Ponda6

Sr. Year Parameters 2015 2016 2017 2018 Range

No.
Pre - Monsoon (January to May)
1. DO (mg/l) 7.1-7.9 5.8 – 8.4 6.8 – 7.2 6.7-7.8 5.8-8.4
2. BOD (mg/l) 1.3 – 1.5 0.7 – 2.0 1.1-1.8 0.9-2.2 0.7-2.2
3. Total Coliform 330 - 330 33-790 110-5400 780-4900 33-5400
(MPN/100ml)
Monsoon (June to September)

1. DO (mg/l) 6.2 – 7.4 5.2 – 7.6 7.0-7.6 7.5-7.9 5.2-7.9

2. BOD (mg/l) 0.4 – 1.1 0.6 – 2.7 0.5-2.1 0.5-2.4 0.4-2.7

3. Total Coliform 1300 - 330-1300 790- 5400 1100- 330-

(MPN/100ml) 4900 5400 5400
Post - Monsoon (October to December)

1. DO (mg/l) 6.8 - 7 7.4-7.9 7.3-7.6 6.5-7.2 6.5-7.9

2. BOD (mg/l) 0.6 – 1.6 0.7-2.7 0.6-1.9 0.6-0.8 0.6-2.7

3. Total Coliform 130- 1300 330-1300 1100- 230-2300 130-
(MPN/100ml) 2200 2300

The DO in Khandepar River at Opa during pre-monsoon season varies from 5.8mg/l to 8.4
mg/l and 5.2 mg/l to 7.9 mg/l during monsoon and 6.5 mg/l to 7.9 mg/l in post monsoon.

The BOD in Khandepar River at Opa during pre-monsoon season varies from 0.7 mg/l to 2.2
mg/l and 0.4 mg/l to 2.7 mg/l during monsoon and 0.6 mg/l to 2.7 mg/l in post monsoon.

The TC in Khandepar River at Opa during pre-monsoon season varies from 33 MPN/ 100ml
to 5400 MPN/ 100ml and 330 MPN/ 100ml to 5400 MPN/ 100ml during monsoon and 130
MPN/ 100ml to 2300 MPN/ 100ml in post monsoon.

6 GSPCB Sampling under NWMP

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Table 4 Khandepar River parameters at Codli (u/s of Opa Water works) 7

Sr. Year Parameters 2015 2016 2017 2018 Range

No.
Pre - Monsoon (January to May)
1. DO (mg/l) 7.3-7.7 6.3-8.4 7.2-7.7 7-8.1 6.3-8.4
2. BOD (mg/l) 0.5-1 0.2-3.4 0.1-1.2 1.3-4.2 0.1-4.2
3. Total Coliform 330-790 70-3500 460-1700 450-2300 70-3500
(MPN/100ml)
Monsoon (June to September)

1. DO (mg/l) 6.2-7.8 6.6-7.5 6.9-7.6 - 6.2-7.8

2. BOD (mg/l) 0.1-1 0.4-1.6 0.5-2 - 0.1-2
3. Total Coliform 490-3500 790-2400 790-3500 - 490-
(MPN/100ml) 3500
Post - Monsoon (October to December)

1. DO (mg/l) 7.1-7.8 8.0-8.7 6.7-7.1 - 6.7-8.7

2. BOD (mg/l) 0.6-2.4 1.4-1.5 0.7-1.8 - 0.6-2.4

3. Total Coliform 230-1100 490-3500 1100- - 230-
(MPN/100ml) 5400 5400

The DO in Khandepar River at Codli during pre-monsoon season varies from 6.3mg/l to 8.4
mg/l and 6.2 mg/l to 7.8 mg/l during monsoon and 6.7 mg/l to 8.7 mg/l in post monsoon.

The BOD in Khandepar River at Codli during pre-monsoon season varies from 0.1 mg/l to
4.2 mg/l and 0.1 mg/l to 2 mg/l during monsoon and 0.6 mg/l to 2.4 mg/l in post monsoon.

The TC in Khandepar River at Codli during pre-monsoon season varies from 70 MPN/ 100ml
to 3500 MPN/ 100ml and 490 MPN/ 100ml to 3500 MPN/ 100ml during monsoon and 230
MPN/ 100ml to 5400 MPN/ 100ml in post monsoon.

7 GSPCB Sampling under NWMP

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Summary of the Sampling analysis

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

All the observed Dissolved Oxygen values are normal and indicate well oxygenated water
during all the three season i.e. Pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Post – monsoon and good for
aquatic life and well within limits required for Class C water quality.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

All the observed values of BOD are less than 3 mg/l and within limits for Class C water
quality and indicate low organic matter addition to the Khandepar River.

Total Coliform

The observed values of Total coliform are marginally above the prescribed limit of 5000
MPN/100 ml.

1.4. Data Analysis and interpretation:

The results of the water sampling carried out by Goa state Pollution Control Board at Codli
(u/s of Opa Water works) & Opa on Khandepar River from April 2015 to December 2018,
in respect of DO, BOD and Total coliform have been considered for preparation of action
plan.

 Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The observed DO levels in the polluted river stretch between Codli (u/s of Opa Water works)
to Opa as can be seen from the GSPCB monitoring reports are well above the desired level
of 4 mg/l required for Class C water quality i.e. for drinking water source after conventional
treatment and disinfection.

 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

The observed BOD levels in the polluted river stretch between Codli (u/s of Opa Water
works) to Opa as can be seen from the GSPCB monitoring reports are well below the
desired level of 3 mg/l required for Class C water quality i.e. for drinking water source after
conventional treatment and disinfection.

 Coliforms

The observed TC levels in the polluted river stretch between Codli (u/s of Opa Water works)
to Opa as can be seen from the GSPCB monitoring reports are marginally above the desired

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

levels of 5000 MPN/ 100ML for drinking water quality after necessary treatment and
disinfection (Class C water quality).

1.5. Action Plan Strategies:

This Khandepar River (Class- C) polluted stretch has been identified under Priority V as
identified by the CPCB. The action plan is limited to the Regulatory interventions proposed in
order to restore the Water Quality to the desired bathing water quality standards notified by
the CPCB. The Action Plan has been prepared to achieve Class C water quality. Total
coliform count has been reported above 5000 MPN/ 100 ml in the River Khandepar in the
identified polluted stretch.as other parameters of DO and BOD are within the desired limits.

1.6. Major Concerns:

The polluted river stretch of Khandepar River falls under priority V. The parameters like
dissolved oxygen and bio-chemical oxygen demand are meeting prescribed statutory
requirement but the levels of Total Coliforms (TC) exceeds the prescribed limits to achieve
Class C water quality.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

2. Source Control:
The reconnaissance survey was conducted along with the GSPCB officials for the polluted
stretch between Codli (u/s of Opa Water works) to Opa during the month of Jan. & Feb.
2019. The objective of this study is to analyse the sources of pollutants.

a) Industrial Pollution Control :

The source identification studies were conducted during the month of January and February
2019. There are no industrial outfalls contributing the pollution in this stretch, except
overflows/ outfalls from the mining areas near Codli during monsoon in the nearby vicinity.
Sanjeevani Sakhar Karkhana, MRF Industries Ltd and Finolex Industries Ltd are located
along the northern bank of the River, however they have their own independent treatment
plants wherein the treated water is partly recycled and remaining used for gardening, hence
there is no discharge from these Industries into the Khandepar River.

b) Channelization, treatment, utilisation and disposal of treated domestic sewage:

The reconnaissance survey was carried out during the month of January, February 2019, for
identification of the sources of pollution of River Khandepar.

i. Sources of Pollutants:

The polluted river stretch between Codli-u/s of Opa Water works to Opa) was physically
surveyed along both the banks of river during month of January and February 2019, for
identification of sources of pollution. During the physical survey the discharge of untreated
domestic sewage through nallah/ storm water drains was observed mainly on the northern
and southern bank of the river from Khandepar & Tisk Usgaon.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Map 5 Map showing Pollutants to the Khandepar River

Nomenclature Identification

Khandepar river stretch

Tributaries & Sources of Pollutants on the

Khandepar river

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

3. River Catchment Management:

The catchment area of the Khandepar River is about 380 Sq. Km and out of which 24 Sq.
Km. is notified saline stretch8.

i. Periodic monitoring of ground water resources and regulation of ground water

extraction by industries particularly in over exploited and critical zones:

The central Ground Water Board has carried out survey of Aquifer System in the State of
Goa in Sept. 2013. After studying the aquifer report, it is observed that the ground water
table along the Khandepar river stretch is 2 m to 5 m below the ground level during Post
monsoon season. The water table lowers down in summer by 2 to 4 M. As the ground
water table is high within the Khandepar river basin, there are no such actions proposed
for improvement of the ground water table9.

4. Flood Plain Zone:

i. Regulating activity in flood plain zone: During the physical survey, domestic
untreated sewage disposal in the tributaries is observed near Khandepar, Codli, and
Codar. The Directorate of Panchayat and Directorate of health services will initiate
action through the Village Panchayat and Health Officer Concern to ensure that the
domestic sewage is diverted to septic tank and soak pit.

ii. Management of Municipal, Plastic, Hazardous, Bio-Medical & Electrical and

Electronic Waste:

The Local bodies are collecting segregated non bio degradable waste which is sent to
the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) and subsequently transported to the
baling station at Verna within the state which has its own solid waste management
facility including windrows composting, baling and a landfill. The baled non-
biodegradable waste is thereafter transported to cement plants in Karnataka for co-
incineration. The remaining Panchayat’s are predominantly having single dwelling units
and there is no major issue of disposal of biodegradable waste.

However, improvement in the house to house collection of segregated waste and

necessary installation of transfer station for non-biodegradable waste would be

8
WRD justification about water disputes Nov. 2017.
9 Aquifer System of Goa, Central Ground Water Board Sept. 2013

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

completed within period of 6 months. Necessary direction for the same will be issued by
the Directorate of Panchayat.

The State of Goa has identified site for construction of Common Biomedical waste at
Kundaim Industrial Estate. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
(NEERI, Nagpur) has conducted the EIA study. The study report has been submitted to
the SEIAA /SEAC seeking Environmental Clearance for the facility. The facility expected
to be commissioned and operation within next 18 months. In the meanwhile the
Healthcare facilities have their own treatment facilities such as Autoclave, Deep burial
pit and encapsulation pit, needle burners etc.

There are no hospital waste observed in the stretch of the Khandepar River, however for
futuristic provision the state Govt. is taking appropriate action in order to avoid further
pollution due to hospital waste management.

The Goa Waste Management Corporation and Producer Responsibility organisation are
collecting the E-waste generated throughout the State and the E waste is there after
transported to authorised recyclers in other states.

5. Greenery Development- Plantation Plan:

It was observed during the Physical survey that there are extensive coconut, orchards, and
other local species along both the bank of the River.

Image 3 Orchard & Coconut Tree along the Bank of Khandepar River.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

6. Ecological / Environmental Flow (E-Flow):

i. Issues relating to E- Flow:

There are in all 18 Bandhara’s constructed on the Khandepar River to fulfil the water
demand in the surrounding vicinity.

Table 5 Barrages on Khandepar River.

Sr. No. Name of Bandhara’s Storage in Lakh Cu. M.

1. Opa Barrage 5.00

2. Okhamba 2.00

3. Signewal 2.00

4. Kumbharwadi 2.15

5. Dhaucond 1.50

6. Tatodi 1.37

7. Kodli 2.00

8. Matojanwada 1.50

9. Velipwada 1.80

10. Shigao 1.75

11. Bimbol 2.61

12. Collem -1, Collem -2 4.00

13. Biskar _

14. Babulwada _

15. Durkarkond _

16. Devlemol _

17. Pimple Queen _

18. Kale _

Lift irrigation Scheme: _

1. Nirankal – in operation _
_
2. Tatodi – not in operation

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

The Mhadei Water Dispute tribunal has passed an award on 14th August 2018 in
which the State of Karnataka have been directed to insure sufficient flows in order to
maintain the E-flow in the River Khandepar basin in Goa State. Further the water of 50
MLD is release from Salaulim dam to Kale during the lean season to maintain the E-
flow throughout the year. The state WRD is also maintaining the E-flow during summer
season by pumping the water from the mining pits along the river bank. The WRD is
also pumping 40 MLD water from Ganje to Opa during summer.

ii. Irrigation practices: Water from Khandepar has been used to fulfil the drinking
water demand and some extent Irrigation purpose in nearby areas through the lift
irrigation schemes. Khandepar River is the source of drinking water for 30%
population of the state of Goa10 through WTP schemes built on Khandepar River
near Opa. The nearby farms, use this water for irrigation. The water from the Opa
Weir is released for irrigation purpose from the month of December to May.

10 Report on Status of India’s Rivers for India River Week, 2016.

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River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

7. Action Plan Strategies:

The action plan strategies based on the sampling analysis of the GSPCB, site survey and
observations are listed below. These strategies are classified on the basis of the existing
proposal in place, recommended up gradation in order to achieve the desired objective on
short term and long term basis.

Sr. Action Strategy River Stretch Agency Time

No. Frame
1. Disconnection of direct discharges of Codli to U/s of Directorate of 6 months
domestic sewage into the Khandepar. Opa water Panchayat,
River/storm water drains/ nallah. works Directorate of
 Disconnection of the direct a) Khandepar Health
discharge into the river/storm b) Usgao Services;
water drain / Nallah.

 Construction of septic tank and

soak pits by residential houses
and monitoring the frequent
cleaning the septic tanks in order
to avoid untreated domestic
sewage discharge in to the natural
drains.

2. The State of Goa has identified site The Common Goa Waste 18 months
for construction of Common Bio-medical Management
Biomedical waste at Kundaim waste treatment Corporation
Industrial Estate. The National facility at
Environmental Engineering Research Kundaim will
Institute (NEERI, Nagpur) has treat all the Bio-
conducted the EIA study. The study medical waste
report has been submitted to the generated in the
SEIAA /SEAC seeking Environmental State of Goa.
Clearance for the facility. The facility
expected to be commissioned and
operation within next 18 months. In
the meanwhile the Healthcare
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 River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

Sr. Action Strategy River Stretch Agency Time

No. Frame
facilities have their own treatment
facilities such as Autoclave, Deep
burial pit and encapsulation pit,
needle burners etc.
3. The Goa Waste Management The complete Goa Waste Ongoing
Corporation and Producer state of Goa Management
Responsibility organization are Corporation
collecting the E-waste generated
throughout the State and the E waste
is there after transported to authorized
recyclers in other states.

7.1. Conclusion & Remark:

i) The stretch of River Khandepar from Codli & U/s of Opa water works having length of 33
Kms is categorized as Priority V. The parameters such as DO and BOD and TC are well
within the CPCB prescribed standards. The only cause of concern is high levels of Total
Coliform which is mostly due to the discharge of untreated domestic sewage through
nallah, storm water drains including direct discharge from residential houses into the
River. However, the Directorate Village Panchayat will take appropriate action in order to
stop the discharge from the residential houses.
ii) Khandepar River was categorized as priority V river, on the basis of maximum BOD value
(i.e. 3.4 mg/lit) among the monitoring reports carried out and submitted by GSPCB. It was
also observed that, apart from the single report of maximum value of BOD, all values
during monitoring period were below 3 mg/lit. Also values of DO and total coliform are
also always within limit of standards to be maintained for Class C water quality. The latest
reports during January to December 2018, carried of by GSPCB, were well within limits of
Class C criteria. Hence, the Khandepar river polluted stretch, shall be dropped from
priority V. However, GSPCB will continue monitoring the water quality at two locations to
as per Class C water quality standards.
iii) The Directorate Village Panchayat will take appropriate action in order to stop the
discharge from the residential houses.
iv) The action plan strategies have been elaborated above and will be implemented by
concerned stake holder departments/ corporations by taking necessary action for

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 River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), Goa River Rejuvenation Action Plan-Khandepar River

disconnection of direct discharges of domestic sewage and improvement in the collection

and storage of the Solid Waste in the concerned Panchayat.
v) The Mhadei Water Dispute tribunal has passed an award on 14th August 2018 in which
the State of Karnataka have been directed to insure sufficient flows in order to maintain
the E-flow in the River Khandepar basin in Goa State. Further the water of 50 MLD is
release from Salaulim dam to Kale during the lean season to maintain the E-flow
throughout the year. The state WRD is also maintaining the E-flow during summer
season by pumping the water from the mining pits along the river bank. The WRD is also
pumping 40 MLD water from Ganje to Opa during summer.
vi) The implementation and execution of the proposed action plan will be monitored by the
River Rejuvenation Committee constituted by the order of the Hon’ble National Green
Tribunal.

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