Goemkarponn desk
VALPOI: One month after the flesh floods in Sattari that wreaked havoc in the area, the village of Pissurlem is staring at yet another disaster.
The mining pits in the village have been abandoned by the companies after the lease renewals were struck off by the Supreme Court.
The pits are overflowing with water, and one cannot rule out the possibility of disaster. Locals said the increasing water due to rains has been exerting pressure on the dam.
Like the Paikul bridge, people fear the dam may also be washed away with water pressure.
They said it was high time government pays attention to the same.
After the leases were cancelled, the mining puts are now under the control of teh State government.
When the mines were operating, the companies drained out the water from the quarries.
The water was supplied for agriculture and horticulture.
However, locals say, after the closure of the mining business, the mine owners have stopped this process entirely.
For the past four years, the pits are full at a short distance from the Pisurlem settlement.
The villagers have demanded the government to pay serious attention to the issue and pump out the water.
The State government had directed the Water Resources Department to take necessary measures and drain the water from the trench.
However, after the directions, WRD continued the process for only four days.
Locals fear that if the dam bursts, the area of Deulwada in Pissurlem will be washed off.
Meanwhile, according to information received, the government has decided to store this water for drinking purposes.
“It was planned to provide drinking water to some parts of Pisurlem Panchayat Honda Panchayat and Bhironda Panchayat through this project. However, the scheme has not been finalized by the government yet. If that had happened, then this water would have been appropriately used for drinking water,” Pissurlem locals said.
There is no denying that the villagers of Pissurlem have serious drinking water problems, and these mining pits could be a solution if the government takes a serious note.
When contacted, local social activist and farmer Hanumant Parab said that the government has failed to supply drinking for several years.
“Several announcements have been made, but they have remained only on paper. Officials have been inspecting the site for the last ten years, but the project is yet to be set up,” he said.
He said the drinking water project in the area was to be funded by the Goa Mineral Foundation.
“At present, the foundation has a huge amount of funds. However, the question arises is why it is not being put to judicious use?” he asked.
