With the annual rainfall deficit in Goa around 33% , and our reservoirs just about full but not overflowing, there is every possibility of a drinking water scarcity even before we reach the summer months. Maharashtra govt has already ordered a 10% cut in drinking water in all Municipalities from October, besides sanctioning a 200-400 MLD de-salination plant in Manori, Mumbai. Likewise a de-salination plant could also be considered in Goa instead of depending on the pumping out of water from the mining pits which will have to undergo a rigorous water treatment process before being declared safe for drinking. Secondly, every effort must be made to reuse treated effluent water from sewage treatment plants for industrial use, washing of vehicles and gardening. In short, we need a contingency plan in place and not verbal assurances from officials in the Water Resources and Drinking water departments.
AF NAZARETH, Alto Porvorim
