PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant admitted that Goa does not have a 24x7 water supply but assured that every household across the State will receive a minimum four hours of water supply daily before the end of 2026.
During a discussion in the Legislative Assembly on water scarcity in Bicholim, legislators from across party lines raised concerns about the water crisis affecting several parts of Goa. To this, CM stated that round-the-clock water supply is currently not possible.
“Goa is not availing 24x7 water supply, and it is not possible at the moment. However, the PWD is continuously monitoring and investing in upgrading and modernizing our water treatment facilities, distribution networks and storage systems including reservoirs. We are working on improving infrastructure so that each household will get at least four hours of water supply daily before 2026-end,” he said.
Sawant also assured that water woes in the coastal belt would be resolved by the end of this year, as he replied to concerns raised by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and other legislators, who pointed out that the tourist-populated belt suffers from acute water shortages.
During the discussion, Lobo demanded a fresh survey and study on the carrying capacity of the coastal belt. He also insisted that no new construction licenses should be issued until the water crisis is resolved while urging the government to stop providing new water connections to large establishments in the coastal areas.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao took a dig at the government's claim that Goa was the country’s first ‘Har Ghar Jal ’-certified State, pointing to severe water shortages. “Goa is facing a water famine,” he remarked.
The CM blamed poor infrastructure before the BJP government and stated that his administration has been actively working on the issue. He also mentioned that 40 per cent of tap water users in Goa receive zero bills for consuming less than 16,000 cubic litres.
However, he urged residents not to misuse domestic water connections for commercial purposes.
