PANAJI
In a stark warning to the State, a central government report has flagged a looming water crisis in Goa by 2051, projecting a shortage of 765 million cubic metres (MCUM) if immediate and long-term corrective measures are not taken.
The report on the State Specific Action Plan (SSAP) 2024 compiled by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Goa government on projected water demands and availability, has called for urgent intervention to control salinity, revive abandoned mine pits as water reservoirs, and tackle coastal erosion, particularly in the Baga catchment area.
“Goa has sufficient water and it needs to be used judiciously. Salinity needs to be checked and controlled by imposing required conditions. Mine pits and lakes in the form of surface water bodies, if properly augmented, can serve 50 per cent of the Goan population throughout the year,” it noted, as the comprehensive report is in the possession of The Goan.
Perhaps the most alarming finding is that Goa has lost around 13 sq km of its land to sea erosion over time with 61 per cent of the loss only in the Baga catchment area.
While the official area of Goa is documented as 3,702 sq km, actual measurements peg it at 3,689 sq km. The nodal institute -- Goa Engineering College -- sought urgent measures to control further erosion.
The study also pointed out the growing salinity levels across Goa’s surface water sources and called for strong regulatory conditions to contain them.
“The steady state of storm water drainage from the rivers has increased in the last decade or so alarmingly. This is attributed to rapid urbanisation and flash floods due to climate change effects,” it said while strongly recommending the use of concrete instead of PCC (plain cement concrete) to allow better groundwater percolation and reduce surface runoff.
WATER RESERVOIRS
In a major recommendation, the report has advocated revamping of the State’s mine closure policy by suggesting that abandoned and unutilised mining pits be officially designated and protected as water reservoirs.
“Mine closure policy needs to be revised. The abandoned mines shall be declared as water reservoirs and protected. The active mines that are not being operated shall be used as sources of water and this needs a policy,” the report stated, adding that if implemented correctly, abandoned mine pits can supply 131 MCUM of water, particularly to rural and mine-bound villages.
“By 2051, Goa will undergo a shortage of water by about 765 million cubic meters. This can be augmented if planned properly by setting up mini water treatment plants to distribute water to the mine-bound areas with minimal treatment. Of which 131 million cubic meters may be obtained from the abandoned mine pits. It is expected that 634 million cubic meters will be the anticipated water shortage by 2051 after considering that the water from abandoned mine pits will be utilized by the surrounding villages,” the report elaborated.
DEMAND TO
SURGE 5-FOLD
On the industrial front, the report noted a sharp spike in water demand, rising from 33.50 MCUM in 2021 to 185.01 MCUM by 2051. The maximum demand is expected from Bardez and Salcete, projected at 41.17 MCUM each by mid-century.
The report urged industries to take responsibility by implementing rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling to stabilise water consumption. “The industrial sector cannot afford to be passive anymore. They must contribute to conservation efforts actively,” it observed.
