Ground water officers to keep watch on mining companies

As per the cabinet decision, Friday, government will maintain records of all existing wells and new ones will have to be mandatorily registered. Tankers and other carriers engaged in the transportation of the ground water have also been brought under the policy as they will not be allowed to ply without ‘passes’ given by GWOs.
With industrial units, commercial establishments and mining companies utilizing huge quantum of water daily without any accountability, the cabinet also decided that pumps will be installed in the wells to completely prevent any withdrawal by by-passing the meters. Moreover, the meters will be fitted at the cost of the well owners which will be periodically checked by the GWOs.
The policy, which will be adopted in compliance with the High Court directives in 2013, will also be tabled in the Goa legislative assembly after approval of the council of ministers. One of the salient points of the policy directs mining companies to ensure proper arrangements for dewatering including its metering. “Water Resources Department should monitor the ground water levels in the mining belt. Peizometers or wells wherever necessary should be installed to record the levels in the mining belt,” the policy adds. The government has warned of strict action against those who violate policy guidelines.
The Goa government has adopted the State Water Policy on scientific management and development of the state’s water resources wherein a policy decision on Mhadei interstate disputes has also been adopted. In line with these policies on water resources, the policy on commercial and domestic use of ground water was proposed in the cabinet.