MARGAO: The Directorate of Panchayats has issued a stern directive to all village panchayats, stressing the urgent need to establish village water & sanitation committees (WSCs).
This directive comes in response to the widespread non-compliance with previous instructions, despite repeated reminders to form these essential committees.
The memo highlights that the absence of these committees has hindered the effective distribution and utilisation of water testing kits by the PWD, which are to be handed over to the respective WSCs. These kits are intended to ensure the quality and safety of drinking water in rural areas, a critical public health measure. Without the committees in place, the process of monitoring and maintaining water quality has faced significant delays, potentially impacting the health and well-being of village residents.
Siddhi Halarnakar, Director of Panchayats, has directed all BDOs to ensure the immediate constitution of the WSCs within their jurisdictions.
“This memorandum will help address the vector-borne diseases as well as the pollution of the springs, lakes and other water bodies, besides giving a boost to the registration of private wells by the WRD,” said a member of the consumer forum GOACAN.
