PANAJI
In an ambitious project, the Goa government is mulling to build an underwater pipeline in the Mandovi River to bring the raw water from Tillari dam to Panaji. The project is expected to be commissioned within the next two years.
Speaking to media on Monday, Minister for Water Resources Subhash Shirodkar informed about the proposal, which is being currently worked out.
“The department is working on a scheme, wherein we will lay an underwater pipeline in River Mandovi to get the raw water directly from Tillari to Panaji. Tillari dam water currently reaches Porvorim. The project will take at least two years to start," he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister has directed the department to inspect and verify around 60 to 70 allegedly illegal borewells operational in the Chimbel area following complaints.
Shirodkar said that the department has issued show cause notices to the concerned operators-cum-owners seeking their reply. He said that following site inspection, the necessary action including disconnection of borewells will be undertaken.
Warning to take stringent action against those responsible for illegally sinking borewells, the Minister said that under the Goa Ground Water Law fines ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh would be imposed.
“People must obtain the requisite permissions before sinking borewells and open wells," he asserted. The issue came to light after a local activist filed a complaint with the groundwater officer. While the borewells are primarily used for domestic purposes, there are suspicions that some owners are supplying water to tankers for commercial use.
