OLD GOA
AAP leader Prof Ramrao Wagh has slammed the authorities for delay in taking action on water contamination at Dhaktem Bhat-Dongrim.
Speaking to The Goan, Prof Wagh pointed out that though the contamination came to light on May 5, no concrete action was taken to ensure that the water supply was disconnected to the area and water was supplied through water tankers.
“Though the PWD workers did their job of replacing the affected pipelines, the higher officials should have disconnected water supply to the area which did not happen,” Wagh informed.
“Now, the contaminated water could have been consumed by so many people and it is important to conduct health checkups of the locals as whenever water contamination is reported there are chances of health hazard occurring like that of jaundice, cholera, tapeworm, etc,” Wagh stated.
Prof Wagh then informed that the health officials too acted only after the Kuttikar family lodged a complaint.
“So, it shows that there was lack of seriousness in tackling the issue,” Wagh stated and demanded that the work of replacing the pipelines should be taken up on priority basis so that the issue does not get repeated.
Meanwhile, The Goan understands that the water supply to the area has not been disconnected but the water supply only of the Kuttikar family has been disconnected.
Reacting to the development, Wagh informed that the water contamination could not have been limited only to a certain area or certain households.
“So, disconnecting water supply only of the family which was affected is not logical,” Wagh opined.
Meanwhile, many locals informed The Goan that they are voluntarily ensuring that they are not using tap water for consumption purpose.
“We are using the well water for consumption,” a local informed.
Also, many locals took advantage of the water tanker which was made available in the area.
PWD officials collect more water samples from households
OLD GOA: The PWD officials collected more water samples from households of Dhaktem Bhat-Dongrim where the water contamination was reported.
The officials were accompanied by local MLA Viresh Borkar, Mandur sarpanch Prashant Naik, and others.
Sources informed The Goan that the action comes after the Corlim PHC MO wrote to the PWD water division Assistant Engineer to take immediate action, based on the complaint by Ramkrishna Kuttikar.
In fact, in the notice the PWD has been directed to take remedial measures with regards to the damaged pipeline and also supply potable drinking water till the issue is resolved.
