A fewdays back, it was announced that Goa is the first state in India to providetapped water to each and every house. This was achieved under the Centre’swell-intentioned scheme of ‘Har Ghar Jal.’ Since the time the announcement wasmade with much fanfare by the Central and State governments, there have beenbelievers and disbelievers. They are keen to know if all the houses are reallygetting piped water. While commuting in a local bus, I heard two friendsdiscussing this subject. One friend retorted to the other, “What you aretalking must be a pipe dream! Are you sure it is ‘Har Ghar Jal’ and not ‘HarGhar Mein Nal (tap)? It would be a watershed moment if the news is true. Do youremember that last year we were the first to be declared ODF? Was it OpenDefecation Free or Open Defecation is for Free? Just check the news.” I hope thatthe guy is wrong and that every house in Goa would get jal through the nal.
