MARGAO: Varca locals on Sunday raised concerns over the contaminated water supply from the PWD pipeline and dangers to commuters due to the digging of roads for laying underground cables by Reliance contractors.
At the gram sabha, several members complained of receiving contaminated water, adding the same had high manganese content from Selaulim water treatment plant which was dangerous for consumption.
Some of them pointed out that they used cotton packs to check the water and after 2-3 days the packs turned dirty. Locals felt that there was some residue in the water and it was resolved that the panchayat write to the PWD to carry out inspections and ensure clean water supply in the village.
They also suggested that the residential pipelines be fitted with filters/water purifiers and called upon the panchayat to work out a subsidy scheme in this regard.
Sarpanch Tracy Fernandes said that a resolution to this effect had been passed and the panchayat would write to the authorities and private companies to evaluate costs of such filters.
The villagers alleged that without NOCs, the Reliance contractors had dug the road and laid underground cables via micro drilling. And now with continuous downpour, the underground cables have been exposed and the portion of the road has been washed away. They further complained that several accidents have taken place due to the underground cabling work.
The sarpanch informed the villagers that as per the 14th finance commission, village development plans had been prepared and assured to accord top priority to the construction of beach toilets and changing rooms.
“A site inspection was already conducted by the BDO engineer in this regard and draft estimates have accordingly being prepared,” she added.
