NT Reporter
Panaji
Opposition MLAs slammed the government over its inability to act against illegal borewells. They alleged administrative inaction and selective enforcement despite documented violations.
St Andre RGP MLA Viresh Borkar cited the case of Chimbel’s Dharwadkar colony, where 60 illegal borewells were identified
in February.
Despite a detailed report outlining the violations, the sealing operation was not carried out, he said, adding, “Show cause notices were issued in March, but by April, a note from the assistant engineer cited water supply issues in the fast-developing colony.”
He added that the sealing was stayed following ministerial instructions, although “the minister has no power to stop the seal – power lies with the underground water officer.” Fatorda GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai referred to the situation as being driven by a “water mafia”, alleging a pattern of lenient penalties and ineffective deterrence.
“Since 2022, 163 illegal borewells have been detected, including 49 in just the first three months of 2025,” he said. He said a brewery was fined only Rs 1 lakh for unauthorised borewells. “This is not enforcement; it is encouragement.”
In Calangute, a single establishment was found operating 21 borewells. Mormugao recorded 28 violations. However, across the state, only 40 borewells have been sealed.
, indicating low enforcement despite widespread infractions.
