Team Herald
PANJIM: Demanding that government undertake audit of all the major pipelines and replace those which are in bad condition, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat on Tuesday called for digitisation of the water supply network.
It may be recalled that the breakdown of the water pipeline at Curti-Khandepar had led to serious water crisis in Tiswadi and Ponda talukas for nearly eight days.
Stating that most pipelines were laid over three-four decades back, Kamat said, “The audit will help government to understand the situation and wherever required, the pipelines should be replaced. This will help in averting the Tiswadi like situation.”
Addressing media persons, Kamat said that the government needs to put in place alternate arrangements for cities like Panjim in case of water emergency.
Tiswadi and Ponda talukas were reeling under serious water crisis since August 15 after landslide of the earth embankment at Curti-Khandepar that caused a breakdown of major 900 mm dia DI and 750 mm dia CI pipelines, supplying water to these two talukas. The situation was normalised only on August 22.
The Congress leader also urged the government to immediately take up digitisation of the water network, which would help the authorities to identify the exact spots in case of damage or breakdown.
Kamat demanded that Public Works Department (PWD) take up structural audit of all the bridges and culverts, which are in use. “Some people have sent me photographs of Colvale and Borim Bridges and their condition is very bad. Cracks have developed. This could be the condition of most bridges and culverts. It is important that the government conducts structural audit to avoid any disaster,” he said.
He also pointed out to the government failure to fulfil the assurances given in the Assembly on filling up of potholes and fixing of LED streetlight fixtures before Ganesh Chaturthi, which is scheduled on September 2. “The assurances given in the House should be followed. But this government has become so insensitive,” he charged.
“None of the potholes have been cleared nor the 400 LED fixtures per constituency, as promised have been provided. We demand that government take this up on priority before Ganesh,” he said.
He also raised concerns on the soaring prices of vegetables and groceries and urged that the government take some measures to control the prices ahead of the festive season.
