Human activities driving Goa’s groundwater depletion: CM

PANAJI
Raising serious concerns over the rapid depletion and pollution of groundwater in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that human activities are the main cause behind the crisis.
Addressing a brainstorming session on 'Mission Sarovar Punha Nirman: Reimagining Goa Lake', Sawant pointed out that indiscriminate disposal of garbage, sewage, and plastic into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies is contaminating the State’s water sources.
“Some people have been very irresponsible by littering in water bodies, throwing garbage and plastic into rivers and lakes, which could lead to very serious environmental problems in the near future. There are serious issues of groundwater depletion,” he said.
Sawant pointed out that "today the fish we are consuming contains microplastic, due to the pollution of water bodies". Underscoring the importance of water conservation, he said that the government has initiated serious measures towards rejuvenating natural lakes in the State.
“Authorities, including panchayats and municipalities, have been urged to take stricter measures to curb contamination and ensure the protection of Goa’s rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves,” he said while appealing to citizens, especially the student community, to play a proactive role in the conservation of natural lakes.
The government has identified 39 lakes to be rejuvenated, focusing on ecological revival, beautification, community integration, and sustainable management. The project has been taken up by the Environment Department under the guidance of former scientist of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Padma Shri awardee Dr Sharad Kale.