MAPUSA
In a move that has taken both the public and officials by surprise, the Goa State government has discontinued the 'Zero Bill' water scheme for domestic PWD pipeline consumers with effect from May 1.
The scheme, which was introduced as a welfare measure to promote water conservation and provide relief to low-income households, has been scrapped without any official statement or explanation from the authorities.
The scheme allowed individual domestic consumers using up to 16,000 litres of water per month to receive their water supply free of charge.
In addition to the waiver of usage charges, beneficiaries were also exempt from meter rent – making it a highly popular initiative among approximately 40 per cent of the State’s domestic water consumers.
PWD Chief Engineer Subhash Belgaonkar confirmed the development, stating, “Yes, the scheme has been discontinued by the government. However, I am yet to see the formal order.”
Principal Chief Engineer Uttam Parsekar, when approached, declined to provide a definitive response, saying he would review the notification before commenting.
For many Goans, the scheme was more than just a subsidy – it symbolized a government commitment to inclusive utility access and environmental responsibility.
Its termination is likely to have financial implications for tens of thousands of households, particularly in rural and low-income urban areas, who now face new monthly charges for previously free services.
