the goan I network
OLD GOA
The water crisis intensified in St Cruz constituency as water supply continued to elude people even on the fifth day on Monday, with people mostly relying on wells as water tankers failed to reach many parts affected by the fiasco.
In Chimbel, a water tanker driver was allegedly assaulted after a villager got upset over refusal to provide him more water.
Speaking to The Goan, Chimbel local Ana Gracias informed that a local assaulted a water tanker driver due to refusal to provide him more water.
“Had I not intervened, the driver would have suffered grievous injuries,” Gracias informed.
Meanwhile, wells came to the rescue of Chimbel locals as very few water tankers were provided by the PWD.
When The Goan spoke to villagers from different parts of the village, they said that there is absolutely no solace provided to them either from the local MLA or panchayat authorities.
In Indira Nagar, it has now become a routine for people to get up early in the morning and hit the wells to draw water, which is then transported to the homes either by bikes or vehicles.
Many women and children were also seen walking with water filled pots on their heads and used water from the stream to wash their clothes.
A panch Ajay Borkar, however, stated that from the day water supply was affected, he had kept his well open for people to draw water from the same.
In neighbouring Merces, panchayat authorities were trying their best to supply water through tankers so that some respite is provided to the people.
Sarpanch Pranita Kalangutkar informed that well water is filled in tankers and supplied to villagers. “All 11 panchas are overlooking the supply of water through tankers,” Kalangutkar stated.
Another panch, Prakash Naik, informed that he himself has provided more than 45 water tankers to different parts of the village.
In St Cruz village, Sarpanch Lawrence Rodrigues said situation is worsening by the day.
“But, other panchas and I have been trying our best to provide some relief by hiring private water tankers. I have also provided 20 litres each of drinking water to families which cannot afford the same,” Rodrigues said.
