MAPUSA
Residents in parts of Mapusa and other areas of Bardez have been experiencing muddy tap water for several days.
Despite this, officials from the PWD water division claim they have not received any complaints.
Numerous residents have voiced their concerns to the PWD, but these complaints have reportedly gone unanswered.
Komal D’Souza, a Mapusa councillor, stated, "I have received complaints from people in my ward about the muddy water. I reported the issue to Junior Engineer Prajyot Naik. If basic necessities are not met, what is the use of this government?"
Former councillor Vishwas Salgaonkar from Khorlim, Mapusa, echoed these sentiments, noting that residents have been dealing with muddy water for several days.
Shashank Narvekar, councillor of ward 5, added, "We have also noticed the PWD water is slightly muddy, although it is not as bad as last year."
Similar issues have been reported in Guirim and other areas of Bardez.
A resident from Guirim stated, "Since the monsoon began, we have been receiving very muddy tap water that is unfit for drinking and cooking. We suspect this water is being sent to us without proper filtration."
Former sarpanch of Guirim, Fondu Naik confirmed this, saying, "For the last several days, we have been receiving dark reddish water. Even after boiling, the colour remains the same. I complained to the local PWD valve operator, but nothing has changed."
Concerned locals are blaming PWD officials and suspect that raw water is being supplied to Bardez without adequate treatment at the Assonora Treatment Plant.
"This needs to be thoroughly investigated by responsible PWD officials. Authorities must ensure clean and filtered water for the public, or citizens will face diseases like jaundice due to negligence," a Guirim resident warned.
Mapusa Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar stated that she has not received any complaints but acknowledged that the PWD may have received them.
She mentioned a recent meeting with local MLA and PWD engineers where no such issues came up for discussion.
Senior PWD water department officials suggest the issue might be due to increased turbidity levels, which is common during the first rains.
"Increased turbidity affects the filtration process to some extent. However, water is supplied to consumers following all filtration and treatment parameters," explained a senior PWD engineer.
However, residents remain concerned about the health risks posed by the continued supply of muddy water during the monsoon season.
