PANAJI
As Taleigao taps turn dry with seven wards locked in a worsening crisis for over 50 days, residents are being forced into desperate choices. Around 500 households have been cut off from clean drinking water after Public Works Department (PWD) officials confirmed the presence of E. coli bacteria in the local water supply.
The PWD's promises of swift pipeline replacement have faltered and this weekend was yet another missed opportunity. Amid this, the water pipeline burst on Saturday adding to the woes of the people.
Several residents have taken alternative ways to escape the water crisis, with some families packing their bags.
“We have started calling it a ‘forced holiday,’ but there’s nothing relaxing about it. We tried booking private water tankers but it’s either too expensive or they just don’t show up. For drinking water, we are spending money every day on bottled gallons of water. It’s not sustainable,” Sarita Kamat, a resident of Borbhat lamented.
The PWD had earlier this week claimed that nearly 90 percent of the affected areas would have water restored by May 17, but the taps remained dry.
Vishwesh Mandrekar and his family, who had previously cancelled travel plans to focus on their children’s studies, have now booked tickets in what he claims is “part escape and part survival tactic.”
“We didn’t want a holiday... But without water, what choice do we have? The tankers are unreliable and each trip is expensive. We are hoping things are better when we return,” he added.
Despite repeated deadlines, the affected areas of Vodlem Bhat, Borbhat, Cardoz vaddo, Shankarwadi, Durbhat, Durgawadi, and Posrebhat continue to wait for a contamination-free and continuous water supply.
Others, particularly those with young children or elderly members, are relocating to nearby relatives' homes in Panaji or outskirts.
“We have a newborn at home,” said one resident, who requested anonymity. “The baby's bottles, clothes and everything need constant washing. Clean drinking water is non-negotiable. So we have shifted to our extended family's place. It’s inconvenient as commuting to work is longer but it's better than staying without water.”
With no running supply, the borewells are also fast running out.
Officials maintain that the work is underway to replace nearly 500 connections and on the ground, Taleigao still waits for restored clean water supply. PWD EE Sarita Shirodkar remained unavailable for comments despite repeated attempts by The Goan.
