The Bombay High Court on Tuesday strongly criticised the Water Resources Department (WRD) of Goa for failing to take action against more than 70 illegal borewells identified in and around a housing colony in Chimbel, near Panaji.
Court's stern observations
A division bench comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar expressed deep concern over the situation. "If this is the situation in one area, we can imagine what it is like across the state. What's disturbing is you have 70 borewells in one area and you are pumping out groundwater. Goa is a coastal state and the WRD knows this better than any other. There will be an ingress of saline water. Water finally finds its level ... ultimately what will happen? You and I are going to have to start drinking water from desalination plants," the bench remarked.
The court further questioned the department's inaction, stating, "Why are we destroying resources like this? Obviously these people are selling water. Do you want us to spell it out to your department?"
Directions to WRD
The High Court directed the WRD to take immediate action against the 70 illegal borewells identified in and around Dharwadkar colony, as well as any other unauthorised borewells found at the site. The court ordered that if necessary, all 70 borewells should be sealed.
Noting that there could be threats to authorities during the sealing process, the court directed the secretary of the Chimbel panchayat to assist the executive engineer. Additionally, the Old Goa police station was instructed to provide protection to the executive engineer and his officers to ensure the sealing of unlicensed borewells.
Compliance report
The High Court directed the executive engineer to submit a report on the action taken. If the capping of borewells is not completed, an interim report detailing the current status at the site must be presented.
Background of the case
The public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by Ana Gracias, convener of the village development committee of Chimbel, represented by advocate Sahil Sardesai. The petition sought directions to immediately seal the illegal borewells and take appropriate action.
The court was informed that these borewells were sunk over the past 10 to 15 years, and water from them is being pumped through a network of pipes and transported via tanks and tankers from the site. The WRD had earlier issued show cause notices in the matter.
