Bombay High Court Directs Notice to Drinking Water Department Over Illegal Borewells
In a significant development concerning water scarcity issues, the Bombay High Court has issued a directive for notice to be served to the Department of Drinking Water. This action stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlights unauthorised and illegal digging and construction of borewells for commercial purposes, which are reportedly leading to severe water shortages.
Court Proceedings and Government Response
The court has ordered that the notice be made returnable by February 17, giving the department a clear deadline to respond. During the recent hearing before a division bench, the court explicitly sought a response from the government on the critical issues raised in the petition, setting a timeline of within two weeks for this submission.
This is not the first time the court has intervened in this matter. Back in November of last year, the High Court had already issued a notice to the government in connection with the PIL, which specifically addresses the illegal digging and usage of multiple borewells in the Chimbel area.
Inclusion of Drinking Water Department as Respondent
During this week's proceedings, the additional government advocate pointed out that the Department of Drinking Water was a necessary party in the case but had not been included as a respondent. In response, the court ruled that, given the subject matter of the dispute, the department—represented by its chief engineer—should be impleaded as a respondent. This move ensures that all relevant authorities are held accountable in the legal process.
Allegations from Chimbel Village Development Committee
Ana Gracias, the Governor of the Village Development Committee in Chimbel, presented a compelling case to the court. She asserted that all the borewells in question are patently illegal, having been constructed without any permissions from the requisite authorities. Her submission underscored the gravity of the situation, calling for immediate action.
Specifically, Gracias has sought directions to several key bodies:
- The local panchayat
- The Public Works Department (PWD)
- The electricity department
She has urged these entities to immediately seal the illegal borewells and to take strict measures against those responsible for their unauthorised digging and construction. This plea highlights the community's growing frustration over water scarcity exacerbated by these unlawful activities.
The court's directive marks a crucial step in addressing environmental and regulatory concerns, with potential implications for water management policies in the region. Stakeholders are now awaiting the Department of Drinking Water's response, which could shape future actions and enforcement against illegal borewell operations.
