MAPUSA
At a time when the government has warned against using drinking water for construction activity amid concerns over water availability, villagers in Tivim have raised allegations of potable water being diverted to mega projects and urged the panchayat to seek action against the practice.
The issue was raised at the Tivim Gram Sabha on Sunday, where residents alleged that builders were using drinking water supplied through PWD pipelines for construction, even as the State faces concerns over water security.
The villagers urged the panchayat to write to the Water Resources Department (WRD) and the PWD, seeking intervention against the alleged misuse.
A villager pointed out that a construction project coming up near the village football ground had obtained a PWD pipeline connection and was using drinking water for construction work.
A local resident, Robert Colaco alleged that the panchayat had issued an occupancy certificate to the builder on the basis of a completion certificate issued by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, despite the construction allegedly remaining incomplete.
He claimed that the builder had subsequently obtained a pipeline connection and was using the water to complete the project.
“At a time when Goa and the country are facing a water crisis, using drinking water for construction is criminal,” Colaco said.
He also drew attention to the construction of farmhouses over a large area near Colvale Fort, alleging that drinking water was being used for the work. Colaco further alleged that borewells had been dug for construction activities at the farmhouse project and at MIT University, allowing groundwater to be used for the purpose.
The villagers called on the panchayat to take up the matter with the WRD and PWD and seek action against those allegedly using drinking water for construction.
Road widening under scrutiny
The gram sabha also decided that proposals for road widening in the village would henceforth be placed before the gram sabha meeting for discussion and a decision, following objections from residents who alleged that widening works were being undertaken to facilitate mega construction projects rather than meet the needs of locals.
Villagers pointed out that several building projects were coming up across Tivim while the PWD was simultaneously undertaking road-widening works. The proposed widening of the road connecting the Tivim panchayat to Colvale came under particular scrutiny.
“The widening of the road is not for the locals but for the mega projects coming up in Colvale. During road-widening works, the compound walls of locals are demolished,” Colaco said.
He argued that road widening should be undertaken only when residents themselves sought it, rather than to facilitate the movement and access requirements of large projects.
Another resident said proposals for widening roads should originate from local residents and be placed before the gram sabha before any decision is taken.
Meanwhile, responding to concerns over the fencing of the village football ground, sarpanch Michael Fernandes said a gate would be installed within 10 days to prevent cattle from entering the ground and soiling it.
