The Goa High Court has taken a firm stance on the rampant issue of illegal borewells and groundwater extraction in Chimbel. On Tuesday, the court directed the state's Water Resources Department (WRD) to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the steps it has initiated and a clear timeline for concrete action to stop the unauthorized activity.
Court Directs Swift Action from Authorities
A division bench comprising Justices Suman Shyam and Amit S. Jamsandekar heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the illegal digging and construction of borewells in the Chimbel area. The bench has given the WRD a deadline of four weeks to file its response. Furthermore, the court has issued notices to the secretary and the sarpanch of the Chimbel panchayat, making local governance accountable in the matter.
Groundwater Depletion and Official Assurances
During the hearing, Additional Government Advocate Akshata Bhat informed the court that the WRD had already issued show-cause notices to the violators. She assured the bench of concrete action to ensure that no illegal digging and extraction of groundwater through borewells continues in the village. The PIL was filed by Ana Gracias, the convener of Chimbel's Village Development Committee.
PIL Highlights Failure of Statutory Bodies
In her petition, Gracias stated that numerous borewells in the area are operating illegally. She accused the statutory authorities responsible for protecting groundwater sources of failing to take action against the violators. The petitioner highlighted that the unauthorised digging of borewells and illegal transportation of water has caused a significant depletion of local water levels.
Gracias is seeking specific directions from the High Court. Her demands include:
- Directions to seal all illegal borewells in Chimbel.
- Orders to the panchayat, the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Electricity Department to take immediate and strict action against unauthorized digging and construction of borewells, especially for commercial purposes.
The court's intervention underscores the growing legal and environmental concerns over unregulated groundwater extraction in Goa. The next steps from the Water Resources Department, due in four weeks, will be crucial in determining the future of water conservation efforts in Chimbel.
