the goan I network
BICHOLIM
Water supply from the Tillari dam to Bicholim taluka could be delayed by a few more days, after repair work was allegedly stopped by Shiv Sena leaders who demanded a thorough inquiry into the quality of repair work.
The Tillari canal had developed cracks a few days ago and water supply had been stopped, creating shortage at the Assonora water treatment plant.
Authorities at Tillari had begun repairing the damaged portion of the canal leading to Pernem taluka and had hoped to release water by Saturday.
However, work on the canal leading to Bicholim taluka was allegedly stopped by Shiv Sena leaders, who demanded a probe into the quality of work and warned that the work would not be allowed to resume if the inquiry was not conducted.
This delay is expected to cause difficulties to farmers of Bicholim taluka, besides causing further shortage of water supplied to the Assonora water treatment plant.
Meanwhile, residents of Sal-Bicholim have demanded 24-hour water supply to Sal village and have insisted that the government make alternative arrangements to provide water to the village during the interim period.
After suffering from acute water shortage since the last few days, prompting angry locals to protest at the Assonora water treatment plant, water supply to Sal was release on Friday morning.
Water was released on the orders of Bicholim Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit, who has convened a joint meeting with locals and authorities on Monday.
WRD engineer K P Naik stated that water from the Amthane dam is presently being pumped and supplied to the Assonora water treatment plant.
We have water supply for about two months at our dam and there is no need for concern or panic,” said Naik.
Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar said he had supported the agitation by locals of Sal on Thursday.
