Team Goemkarponn
DABOLIM: The Drinking Water Department has rejected allegations that contaminated water was supplied to a residential complex at Dabolim, informing the Goa State Human Rights Commission that the water distributed to the premises met all quality standards and was safe for consumption. The department maintained that it could not be held responsible for the illnesses reported by residents.
In its submission before the Commission, officials stated that the housing complex at Alto Chicalim receives water from a ground-level reservoir near NSD Dabolim through a dedicated pipeline, with supply provided for several hours daily. The department said multiple connections were granted to the project, including domestic and commercial lines covering all blocks of the complex.
The issue surfaced after health authorities flagged suspected contamination following cases of acute diarrhoeal illness among residents. The department said it immediately conducted an inspection and collected water samples from the supply line for laboratory examination.
According to officials, the test reports analysing physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters indicated that the water supplied by the department was potable and free from contamination. It further stated that independent testing by health authorities also found the water fit for drinking.
The department also referred to discussions held at a meeting chaired by the South Goa Collector, where the supplied water was considered safe. Maintaining that there was no lapse on its part, the department said responsibility for the reported illnesses did not lie with the public water supply. Meanwhile, the Commission has sought responses from other stakeholders, including the builder, pollution control authorities and the health department, in connection with the matter.
