Residents plan HC intervention over lack of piped water
The operation targeted nearly 70 borewells in a residential colony in Chimbel on Thursday.
PANAJI
Goa’s Water Resources Department (WRD) on Thursday morning launched a drive to seal illegal borewells in Chimbel, acting on directives of the Bombay High Court at Goa.
The operation targeted nearly 70 borewells in a residential colony, sparking tense scenes as officials faced resistance from residents.
WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar told reporters that the borewells were unauthorised and action was unavoidable. He said no prior notice was required in such cases.
A detailed report on the number of borewells sealed and those pending will be collated, and the drive will continue.
“We should be able to seal all the illegal ones as per the directives of the High Court by May 5. There are some concealed, like some in huts and thatched enclosures. If some are left, we will seek more time from the High Court,” Shirodkar said.
The crackdown on Thursday triggered unrest among locals, many of whom argued they were forced to rely on borewells due to the absence of piped water supply in the area.
Politician and lawyer Amit Palekar said applications for tap water connections had been pending for years. He said an intervention petition in the High Court is being planned to present the community’s plight.
Officials maintained that the drive was necessary to enforce the court orders and regulate groundwater use. However, the confrontation highlighted the larger issue of inadequate water infrastructure in the area.
The WRD’s action has brought the conflict between legal enforcement and basic public needs into sharp focus, with residents demanding long-delayed access to piped water.
