PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has ordered the Public Works Department to ensure a supply of at least three hours a day water supply to the residents of La Oceana Colony, Dona Paula who had approached the court with a letter.
In the letter, the residents complained that the supply of water by the PWD is restricted to only 45 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour 15 minutes a day and on several days, there is no water supply at all.
“Since right to supply of clean and hygienic drinking water is an integral facet of right to dignified life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the learned Advocate General is requested to use his good offices to ensure that the residents of not only the La Oceana Colony Trust, Dona Paula, but the surrounding areas are provided adequate supply,” the Bombay High Court at Goa ruled.
“The Principal Chief Engineer, PWD shall ensure that the residents of La Oceana Colony Trust, Dona Paula and similarly situated citizens are assured drinking water supply for at least 3 hours a day, which period can be split or staggered depending upon administrative and technical exigencies,” the High Court also said adding that it was treating the letter as a suo motu writ petition.
Meanwhile, residents from hamlets in the lower reaches -- Aivao and the 'Hawaii' beach -- too cried out for water where Taleigao panchayat officials met them.
The issue of water shortage and in some areas no supply at all had also been raised by the residents at the April 30 Taleigao Gram sabha.
The Gram sabha also passed a resolution that the concerned authorities refrain from clearing any new housing or commercial projects until the water supply issues are resolved.
Local AAP leader Cecille Rodrigues said, she telephonically petitioned PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral earlier this week and also apprised the PWD Executive Engineer about the water supply problems faced by local residents.
