PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday called upon large hotels, residential townships and commercial projects to adopt robust water conservation measures as the State balances rapid growth with sustainable use of natural resources.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the day-long Water Management: The Goa Round Table conclave, the Chief Minister said the government is focused on accommodating growth in tourism, real estate and hospitality without putting additional pressure on natural water sources.
He urged large development projects to implement water-efficient systems, make rainwater harvesting mandatory, conduct regular water audits and install treatment plants for recycling and reuse of wastewater.
Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, Dr Rajiv Kumar, J P Singh, retired Captain Yamini Choudhary and other dignitaries were present.
Sawant said Goa has the opportunity to become the country’s first “water-smart State” by leveraging technology for water conservation and management.
He invited educational institutions, research organisations and industry stakeholders to take an active role, assuring them of the government’s full support.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, he said Goa currently has 706 check dams, with more planned in the coming years. Water treatment projects at Pilerne, Morlem, Assonora and Tuem are nearing completion, he added.
Sawant also noted that the State’s drinking water treatment capacity has increased from 473.5 MLD in 2012 to 677 MLD at present. With projects under implementation, the capacity is expected to cross 1,000 MLD. He also pointed out that Goa has achieved 100 per cent household tap-water connectivity under the Har Ghar Jal initiative, becoming the first State in the country to achieve the milestone. The achievement has significantly improved water access, particularly in rural areas, Sawant said, adding that a pilot project involving 3,888 smart water meters has helped save nearly 19 million litres of water.
According to the 2025 Central Ground Water Board assessment, all 12 talukas in Goa fall under the safe category, with groundwater extraction limited to 23.3 per cent, he said, adding that the State is also exploring scientific reuse of treated wastewater for industrial purposes.
Efforts are underway to use abandoned mining pits for additional water storage and revive traditional water bodies such as ponds and springs, he said.
“Preserving rivers, lakes and springs remains a priority. With innovation in water treatment, automated distribution and smart irrigation, Goa can strengthen year-round water security,” the Chief Minister added.
Governor: Water security check must precede project clearances
Governor P S Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Saturday called for mandatory water security assessments before approving any construction project, warning that unchecked development could threaten the State's water resources.
Inaugurating the day-long Goa Round Table on Water Management, the Governor said India faced a 13 per cent monsoon deficit this year, while Goa had a 31 per cent shortfall, the lowest rainfall it got in the season in 108 years. He said reliance on monsoon rains alone was no longer sustainable and urged authorities to integrate water conservation into planning and development policies.
Encroachments and pollution of lakes, ponds and wetlands must be stopped, he added. He also showcased the Fog Net Project of Goa University and NIT Goa, which seeks to harvest freshwater from atmospheric moisture.
