The report 'Goa thirsts, runs short of 80 mn litres daily' (TGE, Jan 5) is a sad reflection of poor planning by the Water Resources Department (WRD) and the Public Works Department (PWD). Although four new water treatment plants are under construction in Tuem, Pilerne, Siolim, and Selaulim, their expected combined output of 58 million litres per day (mld) falls short of plugging the current 80 mld deficit.
Furthermore, by the time these projects are completed, Goa's population will have likely increased significantly due to an influx of migrants, tourists, and development projects, exacerbating the water shortage. What a missed opportunity! This dire situation could have been avoided had there been foresighted planning for population growth and development twenty years ago. With adequate water treatment and distribution infrastructure in place today, we would be equipped to meet the rising demand and prevent the current water shortages.
