PANAJI
Under the watch of the High Court of Bombay at Goa, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has sealed around 22 illegal borewells in Chimbel, with officials indicating that more action is underway following inspections at the site.
The crackdown follows directions issued by the High Court during the last hearing, where it asked the Executive Engineer (North), Division-I, to act on the WRD’s findings and seal all 70 borewells identified at the site, or any other borewells in the vicinity found to be sunk without mandatory permission.
WRD sources told The Goan the exercise was being carried out in phases after verification on the ground.
“We had identified around 60-70 borewells last year, but some of them have already been shut by the respective owners. As of now, 22 have been sealed, while inspections are continuing for the remaining ones before further action is taken,” the source said, adding that an interim compliance report has already been submitted before the High Court.
Anticipating resistance during the enforcement drive, the High Court had directed the secretary of the Chimbel panchayat to assist the Executive Engineer in the sealing process, while the Police Inspector of Old Goa Police Station was instructed to provide adequate police protection.
WRD’s earlier report had placed before the court that several borewells were located within 15 metres of existing wells and in close proximity to soak pits or septic tanks, raising concerns over groundwater contamination.
The report further stated that water extracted from these borewells was allegedly being pumped into storage tanks and transported elsewhere through tankers.
The borewells are believed to have been operational for over 10 to 15 years.
Petitioner Ana Gracias had submitted photographs obtained under the RTI Act from WRD records, allegedly showing groundwater being pumped from borewells into tanks and tankers for transportation outside the locality.
Reacting to the latest development, Gracias expressed dissatisfaction with the department for failing to update her about ongoing action in the matter.
