MARGAO: In response to the severe water scarcity issues faced by residents of Utorda and other areas in Goa, the Human Rights Commission has recommended that the Public Works Department (PWD) take immediate steps to assist villagers in Utorda by providing connections from the pipelines of higher diameter running parallel through these areas. Recognizing water as a basic necessity and a human right, the Commission has underscored the urgency of resolving the water problem.
The Commission has emphasised that water is a basic necessity and a human right of citizens. Interestingly, it has also addressed the water problem in Chapora, Assagao, and Anjuna, which was reported by O Heraldo.
In response to the recommendation, citizens of Utorda have expressed hope and satisfaction in resolving the issue.
As per the Commission’s report, the PWD has been advised to facilitate the replacement of service connections in the mentioned areas with UPVC pipelines instead of the existing metallic (GI) pipelines within 60 days.
Additionally, the Commission has recommended that the construction of a 5.6 MLD water treatment plant at Sonarkhed, Assagao, and the augmentation of the Assonora water treatment plant by 30 MLD be completed by the end of December 2024 for the areas of Assagao, Chapora, and Anjuna.
Under Section 18(e) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission is mandated to send a copy of the inquiry report, along with its recommendations, to the concerned government or authority. They are required to provide their comments on the report, including the actions taken or proposed to be taken, within one month or as per the Commission’s allowance.
The Commission also heard from panch member Sharlet Fernandes, who noted that there is a higher diameter pipeline running parallel through the Francisco Costa ward and Loyola ward in Utorda, which are the worst affected areas. She suggested that water connections could be provided to locals from these pipelines.
The PWD, in its report submitted to the Commission, stated that water supplied to Majorda, Calata, and Utorda is at the tail end of the system. Many of the houses have metallic (GI) connections, which are old and corroded, resulting in low supply.
The PWD also mentioned that they had offered to lay common pipelines for the benefit of four houses and facilitate the replacement of service connection pipelines. However, due to a local dispute, the matter was pending.
