Ponda: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday warned officials of the drinking water department of action if they failed to resolve the water supply issues in Bethora at the earliest.Sawant was hearing public grievances at a Janata Darbar held at an auditorium in Ponda, where residents raised issues related to drinking water, roads and healthcare.Residents of Talem ward in Bethora told the chief minister that they have been facing an acute shortage of potable water for several months. They said they initially tolerated the shortage assuming it was due to the summer season, but the supply did not improve even after the onset of the monsoon.The villagers said they often have to remain awake through the night to collect water, yet the supply remains inadequate.Sawant questioned officials of the drinking water department and directed them to resolve the issue without delay, warning them of action if they failed to do so.Responding to complaints about the lack of facilities at the Ponda Sub-District Hospital, the chief minister assured residents that the required infrastructure would be provided soon. He said the process of procuring the necessary equipment is already underway.With the Ponda constituency remaining without an MLA since Oct 15 last year following the demise of Ravi Naik, Sawant has been holding grievance redressal meetings in the constituency.He assured residents that he would maintain a continuous dialogue with them while addressing local issues.Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir chairman Ritesh Naik, South Goa collector Egna Cleetus and officials from various govt departments accompanied the chief minister.*Photo: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant listening to the grievances of thepeople in Ponda constituency, accompanied by Ritesh Naik and others.*
