MAPUSA
Amid growing opposition from villages across Goa to large-scale housing and commercial projects citing lack of basic infrastructure, the State government has claimed that necessary checks are conducted before issuing water availability certificates to such developments.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also heads the Department of Drinking Water (DDW), informed that the department verifies whether a village faces water shortages or irregular supply before clearing multi-dwelling unit proposals.
“The department is adhering to the Goa Provision of Water Supply Rules, 2023, which were notified in the Official Gazette (Series I No. 39 dated December 28, 2023), while assessing and issuing water availability certificates,” said Sawant, responding to a written query during the ongoing monsoon session.
The assurance comes at a time when several gram sabhas across the State – including in Moira, Assagao and Siolim (Bardez) and Varca (Salcete) – have witnessed residents raising red flags over mega housing and hotel projects that they say are putting unsustainable pressure on already limited resources like water and electricity.
Despite the government’s claim of procedural checks, official data reveals a gap in supply.
According to the DDW, the estimated total drinking water demand – accounting for domestic, non-domestic and the floating population – currently stands at 695 million litres per day (MLD).
However, the department is only able to supply 633 MLD, reflecting a shortfall of 62 MLD.
Additionally, the Chief Minister acknowledged that only 26.54 per cent of consumers in the State currently receive uninterrupted, 24x7 water supply –highlighting the limited reach of continuous water access even as urbanisation accelerates.
Interestingly, the DDW claimed that despite the shortfall, Goa’s per capita water supply remains higher than the standards prescribed by the Government of India.
To address emergencies, breakdowns and supply issues in elevated areas, the department continues to rely on tanker services as a contingency measure, the DDW added.
The figures have prompted renewed criticism from villagers who argue that basic amenities are already stretched thin and cannot support high-density developments.
Activists and local residents have frequently questioned how water availability certificates are being granted despite clear signs of resource stress.
With the State pushing for infrastructural upgrades and new water treatment plants, villagers say the focus should first be on ensuring equitable and reliable access to existing consumers before greenlighting large-scale construction.
The government, however, maintains that it is working toward bridging the supply gap and improving coverage, even as it attempts to strike a balance between development and sustainability.
