Goa Assembly Tightens Ground Water Regulation

The Goa legislative assembly has passed amendments to its ground water regulation law, introducing fines up to Rs 10 lakh for illegal well construction and groundwater transport. Despite opposition, the bill aims to protect aquifers from contamination. A related bill levies penalties on bulk water users failing to treat sewage.

The Goa legislative assembly has passed a bill introducing stringent amendments to its ground water regulation law, aiming to curb illegal well construction and groundwater transportation. The amendments allow for fines up to Rs 10 lakh for offenders.

State Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar moved the bill, while opposition leaders like Yuri Alemao and Carlos Alvares Ferreira resisted the amendments. According to the bill, severe penalties are essential to protect aquifers from pollution.

The bill also addresses deteriorating water quality, particularly in urban and industrial areas, by aligning with national guidelines to regulate ground water extraction. Additional amendments propose penalties for bulk water users failing to treat sewage, highlighting the government's commitment to safeguarding water resources.

(With inputs from agencies.)