Present-day Goa needs solution to water crisis

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco | 12th October 2024, 01:02 am

Minister for Water Resources Subhash Shirodkar has reportedly set an ambitious goal for Goa to eliminate water shortages by 2047 while outlining his vision to secure the State’s water resources and agriculture sectors. This is a welcome statement but at the same time, the year 2047, which will be the centennial year of India’s independence, is more than two decades away. It is present day Goans who are looking for a solution to the water crisis. This year the state experienced a record-breaking monsoon season. However, despite the heavy rainfall several areas of Goa such as Anjuna, experienced water crisis.  

Preserving Goa’s natural ecosystems, particularly its forests, is paramount to water conservation efforts. It is learnt that one of the primary causes of the water crisis is the inability of the Assonora water treatment plant to meet the growing demand. Local residents of North Goa routinely face water shortages that they allege is due to the construction of the Mopa airport on the Barazan plateau. The plateau, on account of its geology, supports sufficient groundwater recharge and springs that the local residents of Pernem access for water.  

Rapid and unplanned growth of real estate is also a contributing factor for the water crisis in the State. The Indian government declared Goa to have a 100% piped water supply in 2020, but some residents complain of no pipes or lack of water despite pipes being laid. Besides long term measures, Goa also needs short term efforts to tackle the water crisis.  


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