Goa, Nov. 13 -- The Goa State Pollution Control Board on Thursday inspected the severely polluted Arla-Kar male lake at Querim in Priol following complaints from farmers and a report published by O Heraldo on November 10, highlighting the deteriorating condition of the waterbody. Locals and affected farm ers, who accompanied the PCB team, demanded an investigation into the ex act causes of pollution and urgent measures to save the lake. They expressed concern that despite being declared a wetland in 2023, the lake had received no protection.

The water has turned dark brown, with locals reporting an unbearable stench, floating plastic waste and bottles, and a thick, oily surface layer. They suspect that commer cial activities upstream and...