Residents allege contaminated water supply from the Paikul project
Residents allege that muddy and contaminated water is being supplied through household taps in the affected villages.
Valpoi
Residents of Murmune, Dhada, Shel and Melavali villages under the Guleli Panchayat are facing a serious health issue due to the supply of muddy and foul-smelling water for the past 15 days. Water is supplied to these villages through the Paikul water project, but locals allege that the water coming through taps is highly contaminated and unfit for use.
Residents said the muddy water gives off a bad smell and is unsafe for drinking and cooking. Despite repeated complaints, the issue has not been resolved, forcing villagers to continue using the contaminated water as they have no alternative source. Citizens have urged the Water Supply Department to take immediate steps before the situation worsens.
According to available information, the Paikul water project was set up nearly seven years ago to provide purified drinking water to Murmune, Shel, Melavali and nearby villages in the Guleli Panchayat area of Sattari taluka. Water from the Ragada River is treated and supplied to residents. However, locals claimed that the problem of muddy water supply occurs every year during April and May.
Foul-Smelling Muddy Water
Residents said the water supplied through taps appears whitish and muddy and has an unpleasant smell. They claimed the water is completely unfit for drinking and unsafe even for cooking. With no other source available, villagers are compelled to use the contaminated water, leading to growing anger and concern among the public. Locals fear that continued use of such polluted water could lead to serious health problems.
Allegations of Negligence
Residents have accused employees at the Paikul water project of negligence. Water from the Ragada River is pumped to the project, treated and then supplied to villages.
However, despite muddy water being supplied for the past 15 days, locals alleged that no effective action has been taken to solve the issue.
Villagers said complaints about the contaminated water have already been submitted to the Water Supply Department office in Valpoi. However, officials allegedly continue to ignore the matter, saying only that the complaints have been forwarded further.
Residents also claimed that the water purification process is not being carried out properly and that the required treatment chemicals are not being used adequately.
River Water Also Contaminated
The river supplying water to the Paikul project has reportedly become muddy and polluted.
Locals further alleged that the water in the Ragada River has itself become highly muddy. At the spot where water pumps are installed, buffaloes, cows and other cattle often enter and remain in the river, contaminating the water source. Residents claimed that this contaminated water is being supplied without proper purification, posing a major health risk to all villages dependent on the project.
Villagers expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Water Supply Department, accusing officials of repeatedly ignoring their complaints. “Despite several complaints, no one is taking the matter seriously. Where should we seek justice?” residents questioned.
Demand for Intervention
Locals have appealed to constituency MLA and Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to urgently intervene in the matter. Residents warned that the continued supply of contaminated water could seriously affect public health and demanded strict action against negligent officials of the Water Supply Department.
