PANAJI
As many as 94.8 per cent of Goa’s springs face no resource threat, while 5.2 per cent have been identified as threatened, according to the first-ever Spring Census conducted by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. The census assessed the resource threat status of 1,171 springs, excluding dried and hot springs. Of these, 1,110 springs (94.8 per cent) were found to have no identified resource threat, while 61 springs (5.2 per cent) were found to be facing threats. Among the threatened springs, 41 per cent (25) were classified as facing a low degree of threat, while 36.1 per cent (22) faced a moderate threat. Almost 23 per cent (14) of the threatened springs were categorised as facing a high degree of threat.
The findings assume significance as the census identified 1,196 springs across Goa, with 93.4 per cent located in rural areas. The springs are concentrated largely in the hilly and forested regions, particularly along the Western Ghats and their associated foothill and upland catchments.
The threat assessment provides a baseline for identifying vulnerable springs and strengthening their protection and sustainable management, particularly in rural areas where springs remain an important source of drinking water. South Goa accounts for the highest number of springs at 861, followed by North Goa with 335. The report attributes the widespread occurrence of springs to high rainfall, lateritic formations, weathered and fractured aquifers and rugged terrain.
Of the total springs enumerated, 1,054 (88.1 per cent) are seep-type, while 142 (11.9 per cent) are free-flowing. As many as 1,105 springs are perennial, while 66 are seasonal and 25 have been reported as dried. The census also found that 56.5 per cent of the springs are publicly owned, while 43.5 per cent are privately owned. A discharge assessment of 149 springs showed that 119, or 79.9 per cent, had a flow rate of 5 litres per minute or less. Another 29 springs recorded discharge between 5 and 20 litres per minute, while only one spring had a flow rate between 20 and 50 litres per minute. No spring was recorded in the 50–100 LPM or above 100 LPM categories.
The census noted that springs remain important sources of drinking water for several rural communities and are also accessed by non-residents and wild animals.
