PANJIM: Demanding that the State government prioritise water allocation for various sectors in its ‘Integrated State Water Policy’, the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan (MBA) has opined that all hydrographic units – from river basins to micro watersheds – which define water scarcity of Goa, should be considered while finalising the policy.
In a memorandum submitted to the Minister for Water Resources Dayanand Mandrekar, MBA has demanded a complete ban on privatisation of water supply from public sources and a detailed study on the impact of salinisation of groundwater due to sand mining thereby stopping such activities.
MBA general secretary Rajendra Kerkar said the State draft water policy needs to consider all hydrographic units, right from river basins to micro watersheds, which defines the water scarcity of Goa. “The policy should lead to formulation of plans for 374 micro watersheds, 139 mini watersheds and 67 sub-watersheds of Goa. At present strong legislative reforms are required to conserve and protect them,” he said.
He said that the policy needs to focus on water allocation for drinking and domestic use, sustaining livelihoods, sustaining environment, river system and aquatic life, irrigation and hydro-power, thermal power, industries and irrigation.
“Government should publish an annual report on water security of the State covering all the river basins and sub watersheds,” MBA demanded. It laid emphasis on the need to publish an annual report on chemical and biological quality of all freshwater resources.
MBA demanded that the State survey, map and conserve all natural springs and fountains and rejuvenate those which are in a ruinous state. It has also demanded that no development zones should be marked to protect catchment areas of all streams, springs, fountains based on topo-sheets and satellite imagery.
