PERNEM
Acute water shortage in many parts of Pernem taluka has left many residents questioning the purpose and capability of the Chandel Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in the taluka.
The Chandel WTP has a capacity to treat 15 MLD of water, but it has been unable to supply water to all 20 panchayats and one municipality in Pernem taluka.
With wells having been neglected and now in disuse, people have been forced to rely on water tankers for their potable water requirements. Concerns are already being raised in the affected parts as the situation could worsen in May, when water levels further drop at the Chandel WTP.
“How is it that some parts of Pernem taluka get 24-hour water supply, when we struggle to get even three hours of water supply,” asked a housewife, Shamal Shetye.
Added former minister Sangeeta Parab: “Women from Morjim, Mandrem, Keri and Harmal face acute water supply problems We have a submitted a memorandum to officers concerned, but nothing is being done to resolve this situation.”
Commenting on allegations that water from the Chandel WTP is being diverted elsewhere, Parab felt that the staff at the water treatment plant should be held accountable if the allegations are confirmed.
Aware of the problems confronting the people, Chief Minister Laximikant Parsekar had examined the water supply situation in Pernem taluka and had sanctioned the work of an additional 30 MLD water treatment plant at Tuem.
Parsekar has stated that the water shortage in Pernem taluka would be resolved once the Tuem WTP begins operations.
