Residents of the Prabhu Violetta residential complex situated at Alto Dabolim have approached the Goa State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC), alleging violation of their fundamental right to life due to severe contamination of drinking water.
In a petition filed before the Commission, residents from five blocks of the complex stated that between 180 and 300 people, including children, pregnant women and senior citizens, have been affected by a public health crisis. Many have reportedly suffered from chronic diarrhoea, while several cases have been clinically diagnosed as typhoid.
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The residents have attributed the contamination to leakage and seepage from the sewage treatment plant (STP) into borewells supplying water to the complex.
According to the petition, authorities including the Water Resources Department (WRD) have sealed the contaminated borewells, while the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has shut down the STP and directed the builder to supply potable water through tankers.
However, the situation remains critical, with the builder allegedly expressing inability to provide round-the-clock water supply. Residents claim that water is being supplied only for a few hours during the day, with no provision at night, forcing them to struggle for access to basic necessities.
The petition highlights the severe distress caused to residents, including mounting medical expenses, hospitalisation costs, and disruption of daily life, with some families reportedly forced to vacate their homes temporarily.
The residents have also held multiple government agencies accountable, alleging failure to properly monitor the STP and water supply infrastructure. They argued that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, and that the State has a responsibility to ensure its protection.
In their plea, the residents have sought urgent intervention by the Goa Human Rights Commission, including directions to the State government to ensure 24×7 supply of safe drinking water through its agencies.
They have also demanded compensation for medical and financial losses, immediate repair and testing of the STP and water systems, and regular independent water quality checks.
Further, the petition calls for the constitution of an independent inquiry, headed by a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge, to fix accountability on the builder, government departments and officials for the alleged lapses.
The residents have also urged the government to frame stricter guidelines for monitoring sewage treatment plants and water supply systems across Goa to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Commission is expected to take up the matter for hearing in the coming days.
