PANAJI
Swift and timely action by the Public Works Department (PWD) in tackling a contaminated water pipeline at Dr Atmaram Borkar Road in Panaji has prevented spread of contaminated water supply to other parts of the capital city.
Not only did the PWD team of engineers and workers quickly shut off the contaminated water pipeline, but they have also been constantly at work for the past 10 days to identify the source of contamination.
PWD (Division 3) executive engineer Dilip Dhavalikar said, "We started getting complaints about contaminated water supply from residents from Dr Atmaram Borkar Road and also a few adjoining roads. We immediately shut he pipeline, which was supplying water to these areas."
He continued, "We have started providing water to the affected residents of that area through tankers."
There are two pipelines laid under Dr Atmaram Borkar Road, which provide water to residents in that area. PWD inspections revealed that one of these pipelines was heavily contaminated.
It is this pipeline, which has been discontinued by PWD. Dhavalikar further said, "We have been also checking water quality in the other pipeline at Dr Atmaram Borkar Road. In case, residents of the area feel that water is still contaminated, they can call the PWD for provision of water through tankers free of cost." In monsoon, water table is higher, waste water from drains can enter soil, which can corrode water pipeline very quickly. Once a pipeline gets corroded, contamination of water can happen.
If PWD had not stepped in to shut the affected pipeline, water in other parts of the city like 18 June Road, MG Road would have got contaminated as well.
PWD is yet to locate the entry point, or the origin, of contamination. But, the work on identifying the entry point is on.
As of now, affected residents are getting water from tankers. Meanwhile, PWD is checking water quality from the other pipeline under Dr Atmaram Borkar Road. Once PWD is sure that this pipeline is not affected, it will move the supply of the affected pipeline to this pipeline.
PWD has been proactive to deal with this problem. The department has distributed pamphlets to residents staying around Dr Atmaram Borkar Road, which states that tanker services can be availed at PWD on 0832-2226446/2426389.
Residents can make a call at this number 24X7. Further, complaints about water quality can be registered by calling PWD helpline at 0832-2420069/70.
