MAPUSA
As the State looks to guard against a possible water shortage despite having large-scale water supply projects in place, the government is turning its attention to an often-overlooked resource – old wells, ponds and other water sources that once supplied communities but may no longer be in regular use.
The Department of Drinking Water (DDW) plans to reassess these traditional sources to determine whether they can be revived and brought back into the public water supply network, particularly in rural areas.
The move comes against the backdrop of a 32 per cent rainfall deficit recorded in the State this year, prompting the government to explore alternatives to its existing water supply infrastructure.
DDW Chief Engineer Vishwambhar Bhende said a special meeting would be held soon to discuss the revival of old water sources and review the possibilities with the departments concerned.
The exercise will examine not only the availability of water in old wells, ponds and borewells, but also whether these sources can be made suitable for public supply. The feasibility of restoring earlier rural water supply schemes will also be considered.
A search beyond major water projects
The State currently depends on major water supply projects at Selaulim, Assonora, Chandel and Opa to meet its drinking water requirements. However, the government is now looking beyond these established sources to assess whether local water bodies and older supply systems could provide additional support during periods of stress.
The State requires around 700 million litres of water per day (MLD). While water availability has not prompted an immediate shortage, the rainfall deficit has brought the need for contingency planning into focus.
Reviving old sources, if found feasible, could provide additional supply options for rural settlements and reduce dependence on the existing network in areas where alternative sources are available.
However, their actual contribution will depend on their present condition, water availability and suitability for treatment and distribution.
Task force to assess availability
The government has constituted a task force to assess water availability, while the departments concerned have begun preparations to address the possibility of future shortages.
Officials will collect information on the condition of old water sources and the viability of restoring discontinued or underused schemes. The findings will help determine which sources can be revived and what further steps may be required.
The proposal marks an attempt to reassess existing local resources rather than rely solely on the creation or expansion of major water supply infrastructure.
