HC asks Goa govt to outline plan for water supply

A division bench of the Bombay High Court in Goa asked the state government to give concrete assurance on how it intends to take care of water scarcity in the state.

The government was also asked to file a detailed affidavit in respect to points raised in the suo motto writ plea.

Taking cognisance of newspaper editorials on shortage of water last year, the division bench had questioned the government over the problem.

The state government, in its affidavit filed in January this year, had given the status of supply of potable water in the state.

When the matter came up for hearing last Monday, Norma Alvares, advocate, who is the amicus curiae in the matter, raised several points, which have not been mentioned or explained in the affidavit filed by the government.

Alvares informed the court that Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) may be directed to induce industrial units operating in the state to set-up rain harvesting plants.

She said the state government ought to make its stand clear on location of industrial units as location of industry units on river banks raises danger of water pollution.

The government also ought to clarify on what area come under Goa Ground Water Regulation Act, 2002, she said.