Notices issued to water and health depts; directed to submit reports by June 23
VALPOI
Taking serious note of media reports that worm-like organisms were found in the drinking water supply in Zarme-Sattari, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued notices to the officials of the water supply and health department, directing them to submit a detailed report in the matter.
The action was taken based on media reports on June 11 stating that the discovery of worm-like organisms in the village’s drinking water had created fear and concern among residents. The incident has raised serious questions about the efficiency of the water supply system and the safety of drinking water.
Emphasising that ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental responsibility of the administration, GHRC Chairperson Justice Bharat P Deshpande and Member Pramod V Kamat directed that notices be served on authorities concerned. The commission has directed officials concerned to submit their reports by 10.30 am on June 23.
Meanwhile, complaints regarding the water supply system in Zarme village had been surfacing for several days. The discovery of worm-like organisms in the water pipeline triggered widespread anger among villagers.
Local MLA Deviya Rane also took serious note of the matter and directed officials to take immediate corrective measures. Subsequently, flushing, cleaning, and inspection of the water pipelines were undertaken.
According to villagers, regular monitoring of drinking water quality is essential. To prevent such incidents from recurring, they stressed the need for proper maintenance of pipelines, routine testing of water samples, and modernisation of the entire water supply infrastructure.
The intervention of the GHRC has brought greater attention and urgency to the matter. Further action is expected after the departments concerned submit their reports. Residents of Zarme hope that they will receive safe drinking water and that the exact cause of the contamination will be identified.
The issue has also highlighted concerns about the safety of drinking water not only in Zarme but across other rural areas of Sattari taluka.
