MAPUSA
Anjuna and Assagao, nestled along the picturesque Goan coast, are grappling with a perennial woe as temperatures soar and dam levels plummet, exacerbating the chronic issue of irregular water supply.
Locals, long accustomed to the erratic flow of this essential resource, now find themselves confronting dire circumstances, compounded by indifferent administrative response.
Residents lament not only the irregularity but also the pitifully low pressure at which water trickles through their taps. In some areas, the taps have run dry for days on end, plunging daily life into turmoil.
"This is a recurring nightmare in Anjuna. For years, we've endured inadequate water supply, but the situation worsens come summer," reveals Pradeep Harmalkar, a resident, reflecting the frustrations of many.
The surge in construction activity, driven by a demand for hotels, guesthouses, and holiday homes, has only aggravated the strain on the coastal villages' dwindling water resources.
"Imagine permission granted for five bungalows, each with its own swimming pool. Where will the water come from?" questions Michael D'Souza, his distress palpable as he recounts a fruitless five-year battle for reliable water access.
Compounding the crisis are the numerous wells, once relied upon, now either dried up or contaminated by sewage seepage. "Most wells in our village are contaminated, rendering their water undrinkable. We're left with no choice but to depend on piped water," laments Harmalkar, echoing the sentiments of a community at its wits' end.
Adding insult to injury, tanker contractors exploit the situation, siphoning water from illicitly dug borewells and selling it at a premium to both desperate and commercial entities.
"It's a goldmine for those in the tanker business. They tap into illegal sources and supply water to the highest bidder, while authorities turn a blind eye," remarks Ramesh Naik, chair of the Anjuna Biodiversity Committee.
Acknowledging the severity of the crisis, Assagao Sarpanch Hanumant Naik concedes that high-altitude areas are particularly hard hit. Plans for a new filtration plant in Munang-vaddo offer a glimmer of hope, with assurances that once operational, it will alleviate the water woes plaguing the region.
Assistant Engineer at PWD (Water), Randir Astekar sheds light on ongoing efforts to address the shortage, citing a new 5.6 MLD water treatment plant under construction in Assagao, alongside the replacement of ageing pipelines. However, relief remains distant, with completion not expected until August.
As Anjuna and Assagao continue to grapple with acute water scarcity, the plight of their residents stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action and sustained commitment from authorities to ensure access to this most basic of human needs.
