PANJIM: The Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has sought a clarification from the Directorate of Health Services whether its officials have the technical knowledge to certify the stainless steel (SS) tanks on water tankers, which are used in transportation of the potable water.
This clarification was sought by the GOACAN in connection with the public awareness notice issued by the Water Resources Department (WRD) as an advertisement in various newspapers with regards to water tankers.
In a letter to Director Health Services Dr Geeta Kakodkar, the GOACAN has pointed out that in the public awareness notice issued by the WRD, it is stated that the “Water tanker should have a stainless steel water tank and has to be certified by the Directorate of Health Services and the Ground Water Officer”.
The GOACAN in its letter has asked the Director DHS whether the Directorate of Health Services has the technical know-how to certify these stainless steel water tanks and if so, which officer at the DHS will provide this certification. Also whether this certification will also be done at the level of the Primary Health Centre, Urban Health Centre and the Community Health Centre.
The GOACAN has further pointed out that in The Goa Ground Water Regulation Act 2002 and Rules 2003 under Rule 9 (2) Form X, there is a Declaration and Instructions which refers to the DHS issuing a No Objection Certificate on the suitability of the tanker for carrying potable water.
Moreover Under Rule 9 (5) Form XI, it is stated that “The licensee shall obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Directorate of Health Services, every six months, on the suitability of the tanker for carrying potable water.”
The GOACAN has also brought to the notice of the Director DHS that if such certification is being done by the Health Officers without the necessary expertise or certification is not being done despite stated in the Ground Water Act 2002 & Rules 2003 then it would amount to ‘deficiency of service’ under the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
The has requested the Director DHS to do the needful in the interest of consumers whose health & public safety are at risk due to the current improper use of Water Tankers in the State in supplying potable water to consumers.
