Second connection granted to shared household following supply dispute
PANAJI
The Goa Human Rights Commission has directed that a separate water connection be provided to a portion of a house in Shiroda, following a complaint over the denial of water supply.
The Commission, comprising Acting Chairman Desmond D’Costa and Member Pramod Kamat, passed the order after hearing the case of a woman residing in the house. She alleged that the water supply to her portion was disconnected last month, severely affecting her family's daily life.
The property stands in the name of the complainant's father-in-law. She stated that a single water connection exists in the name of her brother-in-law.
The complainant had sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Shiroda Village Panchayat to obtain a separate connection. However, the request was rejected on the grounds that only one connection is permitted per house number. She had also submitted an application to the Public Works Department (PWD) under Form-1 for a domestic connection to her portion of the house.
The Commission observed that essential services such as water supply are fundamental human rights and are necessary to maintain basic living conditions, as per Chapter XA of the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Health Act, 1985. The brother-in-law, during the proceedings, stated that he had no objection if a separate connection was granted to his elder brother, the complainant’s husband.
Referring to the government notification dated December 28, 2023, which stipulates that additional water connections may be issued if there is a separate house number, part number, or a court order, the Commission noted that the complainant is entitled to a new connection in the interest of public health and human rights.
“... the Commission accordingly recommends that, in the interest of public health and to protect the human rights of the occupants of the portion of the house occupied by the complainant, a fresh water connection be released to the portion of the house occupied by the complainant, and the cost to be borne by the complainant,” read the order.
While disposing of the proceedings, the Commission also directed that a copy of the inquiry report be sent to three other respondents – the PWD, the Village Panchayat, and the Primary Health Centre (Shiroda) – seeking their comments and details of action taken by 16 June 2025.
