GSHRC told supply is safe
PANAJI
The Department of Drinking Water has informed the Goa State Human Rights Commission that it bears no responsibility for alleged water contamination and illness reported at a residential complex in Dabolim, asserting that its supply is “safe” and meets all standards.
The response was filed by Executive Engineer Dattaraj Pai Kakode on Friday in proceedings initiated on a complaint filed by residents of Prabhu’s Violetta Complex at Alto Chicalim, who had raised concerns over water quality following reported cases of acute diarrhoeal disease.
In its reply, the department officer stated that the complex receives water from a 300 cubic metre ground-level reservoir near NSD Dabolim through a dedicated 150 mm diameter pipeline. The supply is maintained for more than 12 hours daily to the buildings.
He further said three connections were provided to the project in December 2022, two for domestic use and one for commercial purposes, covering all blocks within the complex.
The department’s intervention followed a letter from the Medical Officer of PHC Cortalim dated March 17 flagging contamination concerns and cases of illness. A site inspection was conducted the following day, and water samples were collected for testing.
Laboratory reports dated March 20, covering physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters, indicated that the departmental water supply was “safe, free of contamination and fit for drinking”. The Health Department is also said to have conducted independent testing and reached a similar conclusion.
Minutes of a meeting chaired by the South Goa Collector on March 30 were cited to support the department’s position that the supplied water was potable. “There is no deficiency of service on the part of the Department of Drinking Water,” reads the submission to the commission chaired by Acting Chairperson Desmond D’Costa and Member Pramod Kamat.
The Commission issued notices to the private builder, GSPCB and Health Department calling for reply by April 27.
