MAPUSA
Goa’s swimming pools could face a shutdown if the government decides to prioritise drinking water amid growing concerns over raw water availability, with Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Thursday warning that a ban on swimming pools could be considered if required.
The prospect of restricting swimming pools comes even as Shirodkar has repeatedly maintained that the State has sufficient water to tide over its requirements until the next monsoon and beyond. In a striking contrast to these assurances, the government has now constituted a high-level task force to monitor water availability, assess the impact of climate change and the El Niño phenomenon and coordinate measures to safeguard the State’s water security. The move raises questions over the preparedness of the government, as Goa grapples with a significant rainfall deficit, extreme heat and the prospect of more demanding summer months ahead. The task force, comprising the heads of 10 departments and the WRD Minister, will be chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and meet once every month to review the situation and plan measures to manage water resources. Its first meeting was held on Thursday under Shirodkar’s chairmanship. “If required, we may also impose a ban on swimming pools in Goa. There is sufficient raw water available. We have made plans to meet water requirements until August 2027, even if we do not receive rainfall,” Shirodkar said.
While the minister sought to project confidence about the State’s water position, his announcement of a dedicated task force underscores the need for sustained monitoring and coordinated action across government departments as climatic uncertainties intensify.
At Thursday’s meeting, officials discussed the status of water supply across Goa, the need to issue advisories to the public and the possible impact of El Niño on the State’s water resources. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) presented an assessment of climatic conditions, while the WRD outlined the prevailing water situation. Besides the WRD, officials from the Department of Drinking Water, Agriculture Department, Education Department and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), among others, participated in the meeting. Shirodkar said the government had already initiated measures to improve water storage and availability, including constructing bhandaras to conserve water and channelising river water wherever possible. However, he stressed that planning and coordination remained necessary to ensure that available resources were managed properly. “There is sufficient raw water. We have planned up to August. But we still need to plan so that water is managed properly,” he said. To facilitate coordination, the task force has also created a WhatsApp group involving the participating departments to enable quicker communication and the exchange of information.
Rainfall deficit, heat add to pressure
The government’s latest move comes against the backdrop of a deficient monsoon, rising temperatures and concerns over the impact of changing weather patterns on water availability. With the hotter months still ahead, the challenge will be to ensure that adequate water is available not merely in reservoirs and rivers, but also at the point of consumption. Goa’s water security depends on more than the volume of water currently stored. Sustained drinking water supply also hinges on the condition of reservoirs and river systems, the reliability of distribution networks, demand from households and commercial establishments, and the ability to conserve supplies during prolonged dry spells. The tourism-dependent State also has to contend with competing demands from households, hotels, industries, agriculture and other users. The task force’s effectiveness will ultimately depend on whether its monthly meetings translate into timely action, clear conservation measures and transparent assessments of the State’s water position.
