PANAJI
Garbage piling up inside Mapusa’s wholesale market and a drinking water crisis affecting nearly 7,000 villagers in Barcem-Kaddem, who have to walk up to four kilometres to fetch water, have prompted the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) to take suo motu cognizance and issue notices to the State government.
The Commission, chaired by Justice Bharat Deshpande, initiated two proceedings following media reports highlighting public health and environmental risks in Mapusa and the prolonged water shortage in villages near Goa’s largest reservoir, Selaulim.
In the Mapusa case, the GHRC took note of heaps of rotting waste, plastic crates, thermocol and other non-biodegradable material scattered across thoroughfares and loading areas in the sub-yard housing the wholesale fruit and vegetable market.
Notices were issued to the Chief Secretary, Director of Municipal Administration, Chief Officer of Mapusa Municipal Council, Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board and North Goa Collector. Their replies have been sought, with a hearing scheduled for November 6 at 10.30 am. In the second case, the Commission took cognizance of the drinking water crisis affecting around 7,000 residents across nine wards of Barcem-Kaddem panchayat in Quepem.
Despite its proximity to the Selaulim reservoir, the village lacks regular treated water supply. A pipeline laid nearly a decade ago remains ineffective, forcing residents to depend on borewells, open wells and forest springs. Those in remote settlements reportedly walk up to four kilometres to fetch water from a spring at Kaddem.
The GHRC issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Chief Engineers of the Department of Drinking Water and PWD, and Executive Engineer of Works Division XIV of the Goa Water Resources Department, seeking replies. The hearing is scheduled for November 13 at 10.30 am.
