CANACONA
Unhappy over the state of affairs at the Shristhal WTP, a group of residents had requested WRD Minister Vinoda Paliencar, during his recent visit to Canacona, to inspect the treatment plant. He was, however, prevented by local Goa Forward leaders from doing so, on grounds that Paliencar was not the minister concerned, and South Goa guardian and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai would visit the taluka in the next
few days.
“Treated water supplied through taps has become murky and this is due to the sorry state of affairs at the WTP in Shristhal,” complained a resident, Shantaji Naik Gaonkar.
There are two WTPs of 5 MLD and 10 MLD plants operated by PWD (water supply) at Shristhal, which gets its supply from Chapoli dam and Ordhofond pump. The water is then treated before it is supplied to domestic and commercial establishments in the taluka.
A visit to the WTPs revealed that one of them is functioning partially, with corrosion having affected much of the pipes and other equipment.
“Water released to filtration canals flows through heavy accumulation of dirt and fills the tank storing the treated water. Dirty water also flows from another leakage to this tank,” said Gaonkar.
“This water is then stored in the master storage tanks as “treated” water and is then supplied by PWD to various taps in the taluka,” he said.
Members of the NGO Goenkar, who were present during an inspection of the treatment plant, said they had requested the Canacona PWD (water supply) assistant engineer to visit the site.
“Initially, he said everything was fine and daily test reports conducted on the treated water were normal. But he could not defend the situation at the plant and assured to move a file on immediate basis,” informed Goenkar member Vikas Bhagat.
PWD (Water Supply) Assistant Engineer Lester D’Souza said, “Maintenance of the Shristhal WTP is not up to the mark and since major work is involved, I have already prepared and submitted an estimate for overhauling of the entire plant,” said D’Souza.
