ASSAGAO, May 2 -- Siolkars reeling under the onslaught of unauthorised and illegal rampant tree felling, are fighting their local battles with parched throats as many areas in the village face severe water shortage in the peak summer season. However, ironically, PWD officials claim that all is well.

The worst hit ward is Bamon Vaddo, especially the area near the St Francis Xavier High School, where trees were recently illegally cut for road widening.

Residents claim that water from their wells cannot be used for drinking as it has been contaminated by septic tanks of the housing projects.

Last month, while the underground cabling work was being done, like in most places, the water pipelines in Siolim were ruptured and people had to go ...