PANAJI
More than a month after abruptly discontinuing its “Zero Water Bill” scheme without any explanation, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday clarified that the decision was taken following “misuse” of the scheme by the consumers.
“If everyone is aware, we have stopped the free water supply scheme. We stopped it because we found consumers were misusing it by opting for multiple connections. We had no option but to stop the scheme to stop misuse of water,” Sawant said.
He was speaking after launching two major water projects -- ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ project and Improvement and strengthening of water supply scheme Bambolim, Nauxim and surrounding areas in St Andre constituencies. The estimated cost of the projects is around Rs 21 crore and is expected to be completed within one-and-half year.
The free water scheme, launched with much fanfare in September 2021, was discontinued with effect from May 1, 2025. As per the scheme, people who consume less than 16,000 litres of water per month would not have to pay any bills.
Around 40 per cent or nearly 3.5 lakh consumers in the State are affected with the discontinuation of the scheme, which used to also grant exemption from payment of water charges, and meter rent, a benefit.
Further speaking, the Chief Minister said that the government aims to reduce its non-revenue water from existing 40 per cent to 20 per cent, to ensure that sufficient potable water reaches the consumers.
“The cost of water is Rs 20 per cubic meter, but we charge only Rs 3-4 per cubic meter to our consumers, while the government bears the remaining Rs 16 per cubic meter”, Sawant said adding that this is apart from the amount that the government spends on water pipelines or salaries of our engineers.
Sawant appealed to the public to use water cautiously and ensure there is no wastage. “People need to stop using water for car washing or gardening,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sawant said that after successfully achieving the Har Ghar Nal se Jal, Har Ghar Power and Toilet schemes, the government is now working towards ‘Har Ghar Fibre’ project.
