Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira is right in reprimanding various departments for the lack of coordination that has resulted in an acute shortage of drinking water in almost every constituency of the State. Poor planning and a lack of efficient management of the water distribution system is a major factor that needs to be addressed on a war footing.
Secondly, granting construction licences for multi-storeyed and high-rise complexes with swimming pools need not be a problem if proper care is taken by the PWD in sanctioning water connections that are not oversized and just sufficient to meet the domestic needs of the residents, minus swimming pool requirements. Swimming pools should be filled using tanker water only. Borewell water should be made mandatory in these complexes for use in toilets and washplaces.
Finally, occupation certificates should be granted only after these requirements are fulfilled. If cities like Mumbai can manage their drinking water requirements without any problems despite the proliferation of high-rise buildings that are twice the size, why can’t Goa?
