Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar recently suggested raising the height of the Selaulim dam in South Goa whilst also building 4-5 smaller dams across the State in order to avert the water crisis during the summer. The move will undoubtedly have implications for the environment and wildlife, further creating more problems for the people and the government. In February, the High Court directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to inspect illegalities pertaining to borewells and soak pits along the Calangute and Candolim beach belt. It was found that over 23 borewells had been illegally installed. Also, locals living next to major hotel chains and resorts often complain about the limited water supply they receive while the hotels face very few problems. Meanwhile, the number of houses has increased significantly in North Goa which translates to more water connections to these new properties. And lastly, the diversion of the Mhadei river is set to affect fragile ecosystems. The Water Resources Department and the government must focus on rectifying the problems of the present rather than creating new ones.
