the goan I network
MAPUSA
Taking a serious view of inaction, the High Court of Bombay at Goa recently directed the Water Resources Department (WRD) to disconnect power supply to an open well operated illegally by a local in Anjuna.
The court also directed WRD to take immediate action against illegal sinking of wells and drawing of water at the site and to file a compliance report before the next hearing on
June 24.
The High Court in its order on May 29 had directed the State government to ascertain whether the local was illegally extracting ground water in violation of the applicable rules and regulations and if they found so to take necessary action as
per law.
The State counsel had informed the court that the local had indeed found illegal extraction of ground water in violation of rules and regulations and that the WRD had even issued a notice of disconnection of power supply to the local.
“The State is directed to ensure that the notice is taken to its logical conclusion and electricity connection to the open well in the premises of the local is
disconnected. Departments concerned shall also ascertain if the local has illegally sunk any bore wells and has been operating the same,” the court
order said.
Further directing the State to take immediate action against illegal sinking of wells and drawing of water at the site, the court asked the WRD to file compliance report before next hearing which is onJune 24.
It may be recalled that a resident of Assagao had filed a writ petition against the errant local for
operating bore wells and drawing ground water
illegally.
He had also made WRD, Anjuna Police and electricity department respondents in the case for failing to take action against the errant local who was allegedly withdrawing ground water illegally.
