MAPUSA
A major rupture in the main water pipeline supplying drinking water to the coastal village of Anjuna has disrupted water supply to several parts of the village for the past four days, leaving hundreds of residents struggling for water.
The affected areas include Chapora, Vagator, Zor-vaddo, Deul-vaddo, Chivar and adjoining localities, where residents have been forced to depend on stored water and private water tankers to meet their daily needs.
The latest breakdown has further aggravated an already difficult situation. According to local residents, nearly half of the village has been experiencing either inadequate water supply or extremely low water pressure for the past three to four months.
Officials of the Department of Drinking Water (DDW) said the rupture occurred on the main transmission pipeline that passes through agricultural fields and low-lying areas, making it extremely difficult to detect the exact location of the leak.
"The leak was not visible on the surface because the pipeline runs through marshy and low-lying terrain. It took considerable time and effort to trace the fault," a senior DDW official said.
Sources in the Anjuna village panchayat said the repair work was further delayed because a roadside stall had allegedly been erected directly above the underground pipeline, obstructing access to the damaged section.
"The encroachment made it difficult for our workers to excavate and inspect the pipeline. After sustained efforts, and with the help of local residents and panchayat members, the exact location of the rupture was finally identified," the official said.
The department has since taken up repair work on a war footing and expects to restore the pipeline by Tuesday evening, following which normal water supply is likely to resume in a phased manner.
Meanwhile, local panchayat members criticised the practice of erecting stalls and other temporary structures over underground utility corridors, saying such encroachments not only violate norms but also hamper emergency repair works.
"People should not be allowed to set up shops or other structures on top of water pipelines and other public utilities. Such encroachments delay repairs, increase public inconvenience and add to the department's difficulties. The government must take strict action against those responsible," a panchayat member said.
