MAPUSA: Locals of Madhlabhat-Siolim have complained to Health Department and police against a resident one Rahul Rama Salgaonkar for illegally constructing a septic tank near a well and for polluting their ancient well by pouring engine oil into it.
The incident came to light on May 2 when the locals found black substance into the ancient well, which is currently being used by ten families of Madhlabhat, Siolim to meet their daily water requirements. They alleged that Rahul had earlier also tried to contaminate the same well by constructing a septic tank just 3 metres away. The locals further accused Rahul of polluting the well on purpose as they had opposed against the illegal septic tank construction.
In March, the locals of Madhlabhat, Siolim had complained to health department against Rahul for constructing the septic tank illegally as he had earlier claimed that he is constructing a water tank. The locals fear that the well water is likely to be contaminated due to the construction of the septic tank which is just three metres away.
The villagers sent a letter to health department demanding that the septic tank be constructed 15 metres away from the well.
They further alleged that Rahul retaliated to their move and poured engine oil into the well.
On receiving a complaint from the locals, the Health Department conducted an inspection and have sent the water samples to Panjim for testing.
Around eight villagers have lodged a complaint against Rahul with the Heath Department and at the Siolim police station.
Neeta Varang, a local said, “Almost 10 families use the water from this well for consumption and other purpose. First, Rahul constructed a tank saying it’s meant for storing water but later it turned out to be a septic tank. On May 1, he poured engine oil into this well to ensure that nobody could use the water from this well. We have sent a written complaint to the health department. The health officials have taken the well water samples for testing. We demand that this well be restored back to its original state since we have no other source of water”.
