Goa High Court Proceeds with Borewell Case as Water Supply Issues Detailed
In a significant development concerning the illegal digging of borewells in Chimbel, which has exacerbated a severe water shortage, the project director of the JICA project, who is currently holding charge as the chief engineer of the Department of Drinking Water in the Goa government, submitted a detailed reply to the High Court. This submission sheds light on the complex challenges facing water distribution in the affected area.
Altitude Challenges Hinder Water Supply Network
The chief engineer, Vishwamber Bhende, stated in an affidavit that a major portion of Dharwadkar Colony is situated at a higher altitude compared to the surrounding regions. Due to this elevation disparity, the existing water distribution network does not cover the colony, making it currently infeasible to provide water supply from the current infrastructure. This geographical constraint has directly contributed to the ongoing water scarcity issues faced by residents.
Proposal for Upgrading Water Infrastructure
Bhende emphasized that the department is committed to upgrading the existing supply system and establishing a comprehensive water distribution network to serve all legal structures and premises. To address the specific needs of Dharwadkar Colony and its vicinity, the department has initiated a proposal to provide dedicated water supply. This proposal is currently under process for administrative approval, marking a critical step toward resolving the water crisis.
The chief engineer outlined a timeline of approximately 12 to 18 months to complete the entire process, which includes:
- Securing administrative approval from relevant authorities.
- Conducting tendering procedures for the project.
- Obtaining expenditure sanction from the government.
- Executing the necessary construction and installation work.
Concerns Over Legality and Population Density
In his affidavit, Bhende highlighted that Dharwadkar Colony is very densely populated, but the legality of the structures within it is not known to the department. To clarify this, he has sought information from the Chimbel sarpanch regarding the number of houses or structures and their legal status, and is currently awaiting a reply. This uncertainty complicates efforts to regulate water access and infrastructure development.
Additionally, Bhende clarified that the regulation, permitting, and sealing of borewells fall under the administrative control of the Water Resources Department, not the Drinking Water Department. This jurisdictional distinction is crucial in understanding the broader context of the illegal borewell issue.
High Court's Observations and Proceedings
During the court hearing on Tuesday, the High Court noted that nobody represented the Chimbel panchayat in the proceedings. As a result, the court stated that the writ petition will proceed ex parte against the panchayat, meaning the case will continue without their representation. This development underscores the legal complexities surrounding the borewell dispute and the urgent need for coordinated action to address the water shortage in Chimbel.
