Master plan sought to improve public water supply in Canacona

Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari while submitting a memorandum to PWD Principal Chief Engineer Uttam Parsekar.

THE GOAN NETWORK

CANACONA

Demanding a master plan sought to improve public water supply in Canacona, the group ‘Vision & Mission Progressive Canacona’ (VMPC) has put forth 15 demands to be considered in the master plan.

In a memorandum to PWD Principal Chief Engineer Uttam Parsekar and various other authorities, Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari who leads the VMPC said a master plan with 15 demands had been prepared by citizens after conducting an intensive study of water supply crisis in Canacona taluka.

The 15 demands for improved water supply pertain to the Chapoli Dam, Gavnem Dam, filters at water treatment plants, water storage tanks, water tank maintenance, provision for backup water pumps, safety and security, recruitment of necessary manpower, water tankers, availability of departmental vehicle in emergencies etc., as part of efforts to improve quality and quantity of public water supply.

“The recent incident where a bacteriological examination of water had prompted the health services to declare that water supplied from 5 sites of PWD in Agonda and Khola could not be recommended for human consumption, has exposed the present condition of water crisis in Canacona,” said Bhandari.

“Despite the State government’s claim to be the first State to be ‘Har Ghar Jal-certified’, Canconkars are still facing shortage of potable water supply.”

Bhandari said the VMPC has conducted an extensive village-wise study to find out various flaws and requirements for enabling hygienic, potable water to the entire Canacona taluka.

“After a thorough study, we have prepared a detailed master plan which indicates village-wise requirements like repair/painting/plastering/fencing and cleaning of water plants/storage tanks etc., to supply hygienic, potable water to the entire population of Canacona,” said Bhandari.

“Since the chief minister himself is holding the PWD portfolio, we also request him to direct the PWD officials to conduct a joint inspection of all dams, water plants and water tanks in Canacona to take stock of all existing problems and resolve them at the earliest, to streamline the water supply system in Canacona.”

Bhandari said he had also apprised the PWD Principal Chief Engineer Uttam Parsekar about the water crisis in Canacona.

“If the government still ignores our concerns, we will not hesitate to come on the streets and in such an eventuality, the government will be solely held responsible for all the consequences,” said Bhandari.