MAPUSA
With deficient rainfall raising concerns over water availability, the Goa government is exploring alternative sources, including reviving local streams and abandoned small water schemes, and treating water from disused mining pits to supplement conventional supplies.
Drinking Water Minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Thursday said engineers had been tasked with identifying streams and small water schemes that could be restored, particularly those abandoned after dams were constructed, as the government works to diversify water sources and meet demand in the coming months.
The government is also conducting a three-month pilot project in mining areas to assess the feasibility of treating water from abandoned mining pits for supply to villages. The initiative aims to help local panchayats reduce their dependence on conventional sources and move towards greater self-sufficiency.
The alternative-source initiatives come amid concerns over deficient rainfall, although Phal Dessai assured residents that the government was taking precautionary measures to maintain uninterrupted water supply till May.
“The present situation is concerning due to deficient rainfall, but the government is taking precautionary measures to ensure that water supply is maintained,” the minister said, urging people not to panic but to use water judiciously.
He said the government was examining ways to supplement existing supplies while strengthening conservation measures and managing available reserves. Pumping operations and reservoir storage management plans were also being monitored to maintain supply through the coming months.
