BOX
Water woes persist
- Two years ago, then CM Manohar Parrikar, had promised to provide Verna Industrial Estate with a pipeline for raw water. Subsequently, a pipeline for raw water was constructed from Nasai to the estate, and a sump was also constructed.
- But GIDC changed plans, and shifted the sump to another height. It now intends to distribute water through pipelines, using gravity, which requires a sump, water purification plant, pipelines and pump-house. However, tenders have only been floated only for a pump-house and pipeline.
- Despite meeting industry owners in August, GIDC has not given a final commitment as to when the work on completing the water infrastructure will be completed
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PANAJI
More than two months after representatives from Verna Industrial Estate visited Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to inform them about lack of adequate water supply, the final solution for this problem is still not in sight.
Around two years ago, the then chief minister, Manohar Parrikar, had made a promise to provide Verna Industrial Estate with a pipeline for raw water. Subsequent to this, a pipeline for raw water was constructed from Nasai to the estate. Later, a sump was constructed as well.
Damodar Kochkar, president of Verna Industrial Estate Association, informed, “GIDC had a change of plans. They now have plans to shift the sump to another height. From there, they intend to distribute water through pipelines, using gravity. This would require a sump, a water purification plant, pipelines and a pump-house. But, GIDC has floated tenders only for pump-house and pipeline.”
This clearly shows a half-hearted approach on GIDC’s part, claim industry owners. On August 17 this year, a meeting was held between GIDC officials and Verna Industrial Estate Association. “Even after that meeting, we are yet to get a final commitment from GIDC as to when they will finish the work on completing the water infrastructure,” lamented Damodar.
The factories at Verna Industrial Estate have to make do with borewell water. However, this year, the rainfall was deficient, and as a result borewells may dry up. The estate is in a pressing situation wherein it desperately needs this issue to get sorted before next year’s summer. But, even if the work commences now, it is highly unlikely that it will be completed within the next 5-6 months.
Big foreign companies like Bosch, Putzmeister & Siemens and Indian names like Cipla have their manufacturing facilities in Verna Industrial Estate. At a time when the state government is trying to attract more industries, it is only in its own interest to make sure that there is proper availability of basics like power and water, or else industries will not come to the state.
