MAPUSA
Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira has appealed to the government to impose a ban on the issuance of new construction licences for multiplexes and high-end bungalows with swimming pools, warning that such developments will worsen the State’s ongoing water shortage.
Ferreira criticised the government for its failure in both planning and coordination, which he said, has led to a widespread water crisis across Goa.
“The entire State is suffering from water scarcity. This clearly indicates mismanagement of our water resources. Had the authorities taken measures to save water and ensure sufficient supply in reservoirs as buffer stock, we wouldn’t be facing this crisis in the early months of the year,” Ferreira stated.
Expressing concern over the worsening situation, he highlighted the struggles of his constituents, who receive water for only 15-20 minutes, often in the form of a mere trickle. He emphasized that water shortages in January, February and March indicate a severe governance failure.
Ferreira also blamed the government for allowing large-scale residential projects that consume excessive amounts of water.
He pointed out that many high-end housing complexes, particularly those with individual swimming pools, are significantly depleting local water resources.
“When you allow multi-dwelling projects, massive water consumption occurs in these colonies. Each bungalow has a swimming pool. Where is all this water coming from?” he questioned.
According to Ferreira, developers often claim to have independent water sources, but in reality, they install sumps that drain the available water, leaving local residents without sufficient supply.
“The Town and Country Planning Department (TCP), Public Works Department (PWD), and the Water Resources Department must work together to assess the carrying capacity of areas before approving new constructions. These kinds of projects, especially those with swimming pools, should be stopped,” he asserted.
He further criticised the government for amending the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, which he said undermines local governance by limiting the power of panchayats to reject construction projects that may harm the village.
“The amendment brought by Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho states that if a panchayat does not decide on a proposal within 15 days, the file is automatically sent to the Block Development Officer (BDO) for approval. This takes away the panchayat’s authority,” Ferreira said, adding that he had opposed the amendment.
