HC seeks status report on illegal borewells, groundwater misuse

PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has taken cognisance of a Public Interest Litigation alleging rampant illegal digging of borewells and unauthorised extraction of groundwater in a residential locality.
The division bench of Justice Suman Shyam and Justice Amit Jamsandekar has asked the authorities to file an affidavit, within four weeks from Tuesday, indicating the steps initiated in the matter and the probable timeline within which concrete action can be initiated and concluded.
The PIL, filed by Ana Gracias, alleged that despite clear rules governing groundwater extraction, violations have continued unchecked, which has threatened local water sources. She also stated that the failure of statutory authorities to act caused serious prejudice to residents’ interests.
Advocate Akshata Bhat, counsel appearing for the respondent authorities, informed the Court that the concerned department has initiated action in the matter. She submitted that show-cause notices have already been issued to alleged violators and assured the court that concrete steps would follow within a reasonable time to ensure that no illegal digging or groundwater extraction takes place in violation of existing regulations.
During the hearing, the court noted that one of the respondents ” the secretary/sarpanch of the village panchayat ” had not been served notice in the matter. The bench directed that a court notice be issued to the panchayat authority, returnable on February 3, when the matter will be heard next.