WRD, transport department in conundrum over illegal water tankers (ToI)

TNN | May 15, 2014, 02.38 AM IST
PANAJI: Water tankers used for commercial purposes have to register with the water resources department (WRD) as mandated under Goa Ground Water Act. But many trade water in complete defiance of the mandatory provision.

The WRD, a nodal body for implementing provisions of the act, claims that it doesn't have a mechanism to strictly go after traders violating the provision.

On the other hand, the transport department says it is not the authority to crack down on illegal operators.

The issue has been placed before the government to identify the appropriate authority to act against traders selling water without taking necessary permissions.

The WRD official said a person who allows extraction of water from his well for commercial purpose has to take permission from WRD. He has to also install a meter to show a quantum of water extracted every day. Also, a tanker owner supplying water has to take permission from the WRD.

He has to submit an application for permission along with a declaration from the owner of the well that he is permitted to draw water.

WRD officials check by conducting inspections within their areas. Illegal operators, the WRD official said, choose to extract water either early in the morning or late in the evening so as to not attract attention. "So we can't catch them but the transport department can," he said.

WRD issues stickers to tanker operators when permission is granted for transportation and sale of water extracted.

A sticker has to be pasted on the tanker visibly which will help identify illegal operators.

"Transport official can check water tankers and pick illegal operators conducting business without permission.

A senior official of the transport department however said they are bound by the Motor Vehicle Act. There is nothing in the act that allows them to check water tankers. "We register a vehicle if documents are in order," he pointed out.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/WRD-transport-department-in-conundrum-over-illegal-water-tankers/articleshow/35130732.cms