Goa's New Water Treatment Plant Set for December Launch to Combat Shortages
Calangute, Goa: A significant infrastructure project aimed at resolving persistent water issues in North Goa is on the brink of completion. The new water treatment plant (WTP) located on the Saligao-Pilerne plateau is nearing its final stages and is expected to become fully operational by December this year.
Inspection by Officials Highlights Progress
Local legislators and water resources department officials conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing work on Friday. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Saligao MLA Kedar Naik visited the site opposite the Saligao seminary to assess the progress. "Only two joints remain to be connected near St. Alex church and St. Anthony's chapel," stated Lobo, indicating that the project is in its concluding phase.
Project Details and Expected Impact
The construction of this WTP, which began in 2021, includes the installation of new water pipelines extending from the plant to Saligao and Calangute. Once completed, the facility will have a capacity of 30 million litres per day (MLD). It is projected to significantly alleviate water shortages in several key villages, including:
- Saligao
- Pilerne
- Nerul
- Reis Magos
- Candolim
- Calangute
Water Source and Distribution System
The plant will utilize surplus raw water from the Tillari irrigation canal, taking advantage of reduced irrigation demand from Dodamarg to Calangute. Currently, the canal supplies 120 MLD to irrigate 700 hectares. A new 30 MLD pumping station is being constructed at Boa Viagem in Calangute, alongside a 15 MLD water filtration system.
This pumping station will transport water to the plant, which is situated 110 meters above the Saligao hill. After filtration, the treated water will be distributed across the coastal belt, providing a reliable supply to the affected areas.
Current Status and Challenges
To date, only the main pipelines in Saligao and Calangute have been completed. The remaining distribution network is yet to commence, which may pose further challenges. Over the past three years, repeated road digging for laying WTP pipelines and electricity cables from the new Saligao substation has caused significant disruptions to local traffic and daily life.
Despite these inconveniences, the completion of this project marks a critical step towards ensuring sustainable water management in the region, addressing long-standing scarcity issues and improving the quality of life for residents.
