the goan I network
PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has appointed Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department one Rumil Barreto to oversee the issue of potable water supply to the mining-affected village of Sonshi.
“It is necessary to set up a mechanism for redressal of the grievance of the villagers since it is a question of their drinking water. It is also not practical for this Court to monitor the issue on a daily basis. The learned Advocate General on instructions from Gupta, Chief Engineer (PWD) states that Rumil Barreto, the Executive Engineer will be appointed as an in charge/nodal officer to oversee all the entire operations of supply of potable water to the Village,” the High Court recorded in its order passed on Wednesday.
“We, therefore, place the responsibility of overseeing the aspect of supply of potable water to the Sonshi Village on Rumil Barreto, Executive Engineer. The Sarpanch of the concerned village panchayat is directed to bring to the notice of Executive Engineer if there are any difficulties or shortfalls in the supply of potable water. Barreto is directed to submit the weekly progress report to the Chief Engineer as well as to the Secretary of the North Goa District Legal Services Authority,” the
Court ruled.
The Court also kept it open to the petitioners Goa Foundation to bring to the notice of the Court if there are other similar affected mining areas, whose situation can be redressed through the District Mineral Foundation Fund and other similar funds.
“It is also open to the Secretary of the North Goa District Legal Services Authority to bring to our notice if there are any other affected mining areas whose difficulties can be redressed by utilizing the District Mineral Foundation Funds,” the Court ruled.
These directions came in the PIL filed by the Goa Foundation in respect of the situation at Sonshi village adversely affected by mining.
The petition pleaded for urgent supply of water and rehabilitation of the village.
It also sought implementation of the District Mineral Foundation scheme.
Petitioner informed the Court that the total amount available till date in the two district foundations is Rs140-crore and not a single rupee has been spent on the welfare of persons and communities in mining-affected villages.
