Margao: Residents of Comba have expressed alarm over the abrupt cancellation of a joint site inspection of wells in the locality, fearing that the delay in testing could prolong exposure to possibly contaminated water. They have demanded that the inspection be rescheduled at the earliest.The inspection, slated for Tuesday morning, was to examine the condition of wells and trace the source of sewage allegedly seeping into them. Locals said many households have stopped using well water for drinking and daily chores, relying instead on costlier alternatives.“We have been living with this for years. The wells remaining untested is a risk to our children and the elderly,” said a resident.
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Residents have long complained of sewage overflow, open discharge and sewage-filled drains in the area, which they say has made well water unusable. Several have also reported a gushing sound at night, suspected to be sewage being let into the Sal river.The issue was raised before health minister Vishwajit Rane during the ‘Sarkar Tumchea Dari’ programme in Margao on Oct 17, when he directed the chief officer of the Margao Municipal Council to inspect the affected areas and submit a compliance report. Residents said the planned joint inspection had raised hopes of finally identifying the source of contamination.According to social worker Prabhav Naik, the notice issued by the Margao urban health centre was dated Oct 30 but was emailed to him only on Nov 2. A few hours later, another email informed him that the inspection had been cancelled, with no fresh date announced. He alleged that political interference was behind the cancellation. Naik appealed to Rane to intervene personally and ensure that the inspection is held without delay.Health experts caution that wells close to leaking sewage lines or drains can harbour bacteria that cause gastroenteritis, typhoid and hepatitis, particularly during and after the monsoon. Residents said that water samples should be collected and tested immediately, and the source of sewage traced and plugged.
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