Team Herald
PANJIM: Following the serious cognizance taken by the High Court of Bombay at Goa for the failure to provide potable water to Sonshi village that has been affected by mining, the government has issued a work order for laying a water pipeline and work has already commenced.
State Advocate General Dattaprasad Lawande informed the Court that the PWD Chief Engineer, along with the Secretary of the North Goa District Legal Services Authority, visited the village.
Lawande submitted that immediately twenty plastic tanks of ISI mark of 500 litres each and five tanks of 5000 litres each will be installed in the Village. He informed the court that five tanks have been installed and the remaining tanks will be installed within two days.
It was also submitted in court that treated water, which was transported from the plant was being transported in an unhygienic manner and for this reason the tankers to carry potable water have been changed.
To set up a mechanism for redressal of the grievance of the villagers, PWD Executive Engineer Rumil Barreto will be appointed as in charge/nodal officer to oversee the supply of potable water to the village.
The order of the court states that the village sarpanch has been directed to bring to the notice of the Executive Engineer, if there are any difficulties or shortfalls in the supply of potable water.
Barreto has also been directed to submit the weekly progress report to the Chief Engineer, as well as to the Secretary of the North Goa District Legal Services Authority.
It further states should the Secretary of the North Goa District Legal Services Authority find that shortfalls have not been redressed or there is not much progress in the situation, he will bring it to the notice of the Registrar (Judicial ) of the Court, who will then place the matter on the board for directions. The Court has asked the Chief Secretary to submit the breakup as regards the District Mineral Foundation Fund.
The Court also directed the respondent mining companies to file affidavits, along with supporting documents, as regards the contribution made by them to the District Mineral Foundation Fund and also to the Goa Iron Ore Permanent Fund.
Sonshi is surrounded by 13 mining leases belonging to nine mining lease holders. Mining has destroyed the bulk of agriculture in the village, including cashew and coconut plantations, and water sources.
The PIL had asked for implementation of the District Mineral Foundation scheme laid down under the Mines and Minerals Act.
