The residents of Vidyanagar in Vasco has threatened to confront PWD officials and block sections of the NH17B on April 15, 2016 over the acute water crisis they are facing. They suspect that the crisis could be of a man made nature so as to benefit the private tankers who have benefitted tremendously from the situation in the area.
“This water shortage has been going on for the past 15 days now. Initially we assumed that the crisis was all over the taluka and it would get solved soon, but we were wrong. When we spoke to friends and relatives in other areas of Mormugao taluka, we were shocked to know that it is only us who are facing this issue. We suspect that this may not really be a problem, but just a means for the water tanker owners to mint money,” said Edward Fernandes, President of the Vidyanagar Residents Welfare Association (VRWA).
According to VRWA members, no one has ever witnessed such difficulties with water supply before and due to it, every household is forced to rely on supply from water tankers. “This is just the beginning of the summer season and we’re already facing water problems. If there really was a shortage of water from the source (Selaulim), then the entire taluka should be affected and not just us in Zuarinagar. Today, more than cars, water tankers are roaming about. A private tanker driver told me that they make at least 7 or 8 trips daily. There are several water tankers catering to the needs of Zuarinagar alone,” said A K Das, an affected resident who also claimed that his tanker water request has been pending before the PWD for a week now.
A housewife from the area, Deepa Chetan Goti said, “Recently, we read in the papers that there is a shortfall of 7 to 8 MLD of treated water to Mormugao. It was also mentioned that the PWD was focusing on equal distribution of water and is balancing the crisis. However, we feel that the PWD is lying to us. They feel that the MES college residential area is a posh locality and thus the burden of shortage of water is forced on to us.”
The frustrated residents have decided to march to the office of the Asst Engineer of the PWD on April 15, 2016 and confront the officer and demand an explanation. “We approached the media first so we could give the PWD some time to hear our sincere appeal to augment the supply of water to our area. However, the situation doesn’t look like it is going to change. Hence we will confront the PWD official in charge and if needed, we will block the four lane road to ensure that our voice is heard so that we get water supply like other parts of Mormugao,” Edward explained.
Despite threats to come out on to the streets, residents have also approached local legislator, Alina Saldanha to come to their rescue and solve the crisis.
