A major drinking water pipeline leak at the entrance of the Sanguem bus stand has sparked concern among local residents, who have claimed that thousands of litres of treated water are being wasted daily at a time when several parts of Goa grapple with acute water shortages.
The leakage, which allegedly appears to originate from an underground pipeline beneath the road, has resulted in a continuous flow of water into a nearby gutter despite the absence of rainfall.
Residents allege that the problem has persisted for more than two weeks and possibly up to a month without any corrective action from authorities.
The issue came to light after former councillor at the Sanguem Municipal Council Meshu D’Costa removed an iron cover that had concealed the source of the leakage. Once opened, a substantial underground flow of water draining directly into the gutter became visible.
Speaking on the issue, Meshu D’Costa said, “At a time when people across Goa are being asked to conserve every drop of water, it is unfortunate that a major pipeline leak at the entrance of the Sanguem bus stand has been allowed to continue for weeks.”
“The leakage was hidden beneath an iron plate, but after opening it, the extent of the wastage became evident. This is treated drinking water flowing continuously into the drainage system. The department must take immediate action to repair the pipeline and prevent further loss of this precious resource.”
The incident has also drawn criticism over what residents describe as a contradiction between public appeals for water conservation and the apparent inaction in addressing infrastructure failures.
They point out that the water resources minister has repeatedly urged citizens to use water responsibly, avoid washing vehicles unnecessarily, and refrain from watering gardens during the ongoing water crisis.
However, locals argue that such appeals lose credibility when significant leaks in the public distribution system remain unattended for extended periods.
Residents have called on the Public Works Department’s water supply division and other authorities concerned to prioritise the identification and repair of underground pipeline leaks. They stress that preventing wastage within the distribution network is just as important as encouraging conservation among consumers.
