Rs 750 crore allocated for river barrages, pump houses, irrigation schemes, urban flood management
MAPUSA
The State government has announced several projects to strengthen water supply, irrigation, and flood management, with Rs 750 crore allocated to the Water Resources Department in the 2026–27 budget.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Goa’s interests in the Mhadei River, while introducing initiatives to improve water availability and manage floods.
Key proposals
A Rs 350-crore project to supply 250 MLD of raw water to treatment plants at Assonora, Guirim, Pilerne, Chandel, Mopa, and Dhargal. This involves building a barrage on the Chapora River and pump houses at Sal and Amthane.
Improvement of the Moira River waterways in Mapusa at Rs 54 crore to enhance drainage and water flow.
A 30 MLD raw water pump house on the Calangute distributary to supply the Pilerne Industrial Estate and nearby areas at an estimated Rs 24 crore.
Irrigation and water management works across the State, including revival of waterways and streams and restoration of the Krishi Marg from Velguem mining pit to Paular–Navelim at Rs 210 crore.
Upgrading the Nirankal lift irrigation scheme at Rs 74 crore to provide 19.5 MLD of water for drinking and irrigation to villages such as Nirankal, Conxem, Vakdevat, Kumarwada, and Paaz.
Strengthening and relining of the Khandepar canal in Dharbandora at Rs 19 crore, restoration of the Kesarval spring in Cortalim at Rs 12 crore, and construction of new pump houses and jack wells in Quepem and Morlem.
Urban flood management in Mapusa city at Rs 170 crore and coastal erosion mitigation at Morjim, Baga, Calangute, Betalbatim, and Benaulim at Rs 200 crore.
Sawant also said the government will waive charges for dewatering abandoned mines if the water is not used commercially, citing environmental and public interest.
