Panaji: Amid concerns over a delayed monsoon and the possibility of water scarcity, the government on Friday assured residents that existing reservoir levels are sufficient to meet the state’s water needs for at least the next month, while ruling out immediate restrictions on supply.
Following a review of water stock in reservoirs, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar said the state currently draws 677 million litres per day (MLD) and has adequate reserves even if the monsoon is delayed by another 15 days.
“Till June 19, sufficient water is available to cater to the state’s requirements for the next 25 days,” Shirodkar said.
The government, however, appealed to the public to avoid non-essential use of water, particularly car washing and gardening.
Drinking Water Minister Subhash Phal Desai said there was no reason for panic, adding that water availability remained comfortable despite an annual increase of around 25 MLD in demand due to population growth. “We will review the situation again after 15 days and, if necessary, consider restrictions,” Desai said.
The government said it is undertaking several long-term measures to strengthen water security. By next year, water treatment capacity is expected to increase by nearly 50% with the commissioning of treatment plants with a combined capacity of 325 MLD. This would raise the state’s total treatment capacity to around 1,000 MLD, well above the current drinking water requirement of 700 MLD.
Officials also said the state plans to make Goa tanker-free within the next two years.
Addressing infrastructure challenges, the government said nearly 1,200 km of water pipelines are more than 40 years old, resulting in significant leakages and non-revenue water losses estimated at over 40%. A proposal worth Rs 1,200 crore has been submitted to the Centre to replace the ageing network.
The government has also sought a detailed report on the proposed Sancoale dam and the Davorlim lake after concerns were raised over alleged land conversion in the areas. Officials from the WRD and the DWD will jointly inspect the sites.
As part of its long-term water conservation strategy, the WRD is exploring the construction of a dam at Kajumol in Mollem and another storage project at Shiroda. The department is also undertaking work on six bandharas on the Opa and Ganjem rivers to enhance rainwater storage capacity.
Shirodkar said the government was planning future water infrastructure projects in line with population growth and increasing demand, while highlighting Sattari, Sanguem and Savordem as key water storage regions in the state.
