MAPUSA
As Goa battles an unforgiving summer, a growing water crisis is unfolding across several parts of the State, exposing the fragile condition of its drinking water infrastructure and the increasing dependence on dwindling reservoirs.
From urban centres in Salcete to villages in Sattari and parts of North Goa, residents are grappling with erratic water supply, low pressure and prolonged disruptions, making access to something as basic as drinking water a daily struggle.
The situation has become particularly alarming due to rapidly declining water levels in major reservoirs.
The Selaulim dam, which supplies water to a large part of South Goa including Salcete and Mormugao, has seen its storage levels fall sharply to nearly 35 percent.
The Tillari reservoir has dropped to around 38 percent, while the Anjunem dam in Sattari has touched a precarious 21 percent, raising fears over the sustainability of supply until the monsoon arrives.
Adding to the concern is the near absence of substantial pre-monsoon showers this year. Traditionally, scattered rains in April and May help replenish streams, wells and smaller water bodies, especially in the hinterland talukas.
However, this year’s weak pre-monsoon activity has worsened the stress on reservoirs and groundwater sources, while soaring temperatures have pushed up daily water consumption.
The impact on ordinary citizens has been severe.
In South Goa, several households in Margao, Fatorda, Vasco, Quepem and coastal belts faced major disruption after shutdowns and repair works at the Salaulim treatment plant led to suspension and restricted supply for several days.
Residents complained of having to depend on water tankers, store water in drums overnight, and adjust daily routines around uncertain supply timings. In several areas, people reported waking up in the early hours merely to fill buckets before the pressure dropped again.
In North Goa too, particularly in Sattari have faced water problem and areas in Bicholim witnessed restricted supply owing to pipeline shifting and repair works.
Civic groups warn that Goa’s water crisis is no longer merely seasonal but structural in nature.
Rapid urbanisation, unchecked tourism-related expansion, depletion of traditional wells and increasing pressure on rivers and wetlands are aggravating the situation.
A recent study on Goa’s water systems pointed out that despite being a high rainfall State, poor planning and degradation of natural water sources are contributing significantly to recurring shortages.
Officials from the Department of Drinking Water maintain that the situation is being closely monitored.
A senior engineer from the department stated that while reservoir levels are lower than comfortable levels for this time of the year, water is being managed carefully to ensure supply till the onset of monsoon.
“There is pressure on the system because of the prolonged heat and low rainfall activity, but measures are being undertaken to avoid a major crisis. Citizens are also requested to use water judiciously,” the official said.
Yet, for many Goans, especially in areas facing repeated cuts, the crisis has already arrived.
As summer intensifies and monsoon clouds remain distant, the State’s shrinking reservoirs are becoming a stark reminder that water security can no longer be taken for granted.
