MAPUSA
In a significant move to address water needs in North Goa, particularly in Bardez, the State government has initiated a new pipeline project to supply raw water from the Amthane Dam to the Assonora water treatment plant.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant while presenting the Goa Budget 2025-26 on Tuesday.
Sawant revealed that the government has also planned the construction of a barrage on the Chapora River in Sal village, along with a 250 MLD raw water pumping station.
He assured that even if the raw water supply from the Tillari canal is disrupted, provisions have been made to store 75 lakh cubic meters of water, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply to North Goa.
A budgetary allocation of ₹759.99 crore has been made for the Water Resources Department, with a focus on improving water availability and infrastructure.
“To boost tourism in rural areas, we are preserving and developing water bodies and water sources in villages and surrounding regions,” Sawant, who is also the Finance Minister stated in his budget speech.
The Chief Minister also issued a stern warning against the illegal digging of borewells, stating that strict action will be taken against violators.
Highlighting future plans, Sawant announced that the government will conduct a pre-feasibility study for the construction of six new dams to enhance water storage capacity by approximately 15 TMC.
Additionally, as part of flood control measures, the state government, in collaboration with the National Institute of Hydrology, has initiated a study to assess river flow patterns and create floodplain maps across Goa.
