Team Herald
MAPUSA: Revolutionary Goans highlighted the water scarcity issue plaguing the State and also condemned the hike in electricity tariff which is going to severely impact the common man.
They blamed the Goa government for allowing illegal hill cutting and concretisation of hills which in turn is affecting the recharge of ground water. They criticized the WRD for its inaction knowing that eleven river stretches in Goa are highly polluted and unsafe for bathing.
Addressing the press on Saturday, the founder member of Revolutionary Goans, Manoj Parab stated the government is not at all serious about the issue plaguing the common man.
“The water level at Selaulim dam is below the last year’s mark which is an alarming situation The WRD is not at all serious about water harvesting projects. The rise in construction of big complexes, hotels and slums is the main reason for the shortage of water and electricity. Electric supply is so irregular that there is power fluctuations and load shedding happening in Goa almost every single day. Government should roll back the hike in electricity bills,” Parab said.
“The National Institution for Transforming India, also called NITI Ayog, has released a report of state-wise water management in which Goa has scored just 44% which is very low,” he added.
Rohan Kalangutkar, a member of Revolutionary Goans, highlighted the hardships faced by the locals especially in the coastal areas and illegalities in both the PWD and Electricity Department who are involved in giving them illegal connections.
Gauresh Keni, a Mapusa resident and social activist, said that Mapusa is facing acute water problems and also power fluctuation.
“The power woe is affecting those carrying out business as well as the locals. We appeal to the Goans to come out and fight for their rights before it is too late,” Keni said.
The Revolutionary Goans demands that the government should start solar plants on government acquired land as early as possible. New water and electricity connections to big projects, hotels and slums should be stopped until a proper study of the demand and supply is carried out. Thirdly, the WRD should work on rejuvenation of the natural water resources and take strict action on those polluting the rivers.
