Business Standard
 
Panaji, Jun 22: A division bench of the Bombay High Court at Goa asked the state government to give concrete assurance on how it intends to take steps to counter water scarcity in the state. 
 
The government is also required to file a detailed affidavit in respect to points raised by the amicus curiae in this suo motto writ plea. 
 
Taking cognisance of newspaper editorials on shortage of water last year, the division bench had questioned the government over this problem. 
 
The state government in its affidavit filed in January this year had addressed the status of supply of pottable water in the state. 
 
When the matter came up for hearing last Monday, Norma Alvares, advocate, who is the amicus curiae in the matter raised several points, which have not been mentioned or explained in the affidavit filed by the government earlier. 
 
Alvares informed the court that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) may be directed to induce industrial units operating in the state, to set-up rain harvesting plants. 
 
She said the state government ought to make its stand clear on location of industrial units as these units on riverbanks raises danger of water pollution. 
 
The government also ought to clarify on what the area came under the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act, 2002, she said. 
 
It is also her suggestion that registration of vehicles used for transportation of ground water should be made compulsory. 
 
The high court has asked the state government to file a detail affidavit on the points raised by the amicus curie.