MARCEL, AUG 24
In an unusual incident, water from the swimming pool of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs was released in the well at Curti-Ponda, polluting the well water.
It is learnt that the well water was used by about 60 students residing in the hostel of Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The incident occurred about 10 days ago when the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs undertook maintenance work of the swimming pool.
As per reports, about 1,50,000 litres water was being released into the well, when officials stopped releasing water after realizing that it contained chemicals.
At present, about 60 students are undergoing training programme in sports, such as football, taekwondo and boxing with SAI at Sports Complex Ponda.
Trainees also have the hostel facility in the sports complex and water from the well was used for day-to-day activities.
But when officials from the sports complex learnt that water was being used for drinking purpose by SAI hostel students, a water tanker was made available on daily basis.
When contacted, SAI Hostel (Ponda) Administrator Rajput informed that polluted water was not fit for consumption, but added that the sports complex incharge has made arrangements for a water tanker.
“The sports complex incharge personally informed me about the incident. However, we made arrangements for a water tanker on daily basis. There are 60 students in our hostel and the well water was utilized for day-to-day activities,” said Rajput.
“Within few days, I think the well water will be fit for consumption. Until then, we will continue to use water supplied by a water tanker, while the well water can be used for washing and bathing,” added Rajput.
When contacted, Ponda Sports Complex In-charge Guruadas Vernekar said: “We undertook repair works of the swimming pool and due to this, the entire water had to be drained.”
“Water was first released in the well with the indention to store the water. However, we soon stopped the activity as the water contained chemicals. The water as per my knowledge is not used for drinking purpose,” said Vernekar.
