In Goa, obtaining permission for a new borewell is mandatory under the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act 1 of 2002. Applications must be submitted to the Water Resources Department (WRD) along with several documents, plans, etc., and site inspections are carried out before permission is given. Any violations can lead to penal action. Yet, it was shocking to read that around 70+ borewells have been in operation in Chimbel for the past 10“15 years, and nothing was done to seal them. Residents of Chimbel have been crying out for drinking water, which they claim was denied to them, despite several applications. On the other hand, it is alleged that water from the borewells was being siphoned off and sold to water tankers. Whatever the reason, it is fortunate that the High Court of Bombay at Goa has ordered the immediate sealing of these borewells, and the work of sealing has started in right earnest. The authorities, on the other hand, must ensure that drinking water is made available to the residents of Chimbel without further delay.
