QUEPEM: Water scarcity is poised to become a severe headache for the state in the near future if we continue to turn a blind eye to this pressing issue. Protecting the natural resources available in villages for future generations is of utmost importance.
The responsibility of conserving natural sources of water such as wells, springs, lakes, and rivers should lie with the local bodies, namely panchayats and municipalities. The government must act swiftly and decisively, offering proper guidance to safeguard the natural resources of the state, especially in constituencies that frequently face water scarcity.
In Quepem constituency, the panchayat areas of Barcem and Morpirla suffer from drinking water scarcity during summers, a persistent problem that has plagued both regions for many years. The main reason behind this predicament is the lack of water supply from the Salaulim Dam, which has not yet reached these panchayat areas.
Consequently, the villagers endure water-related hardships for eight out of twelve months in a year, relying on natural sources like wells, springs, lakes, and ponds to sustain their livelihoods. However, due to the depletion of these natural resources, water conservation measures are imperative, particularly in hilly areas with dense populations.
Sharing the plight of his people, Sanjvi Vinay Velip from Morpirla explained that as March and April approach, these natural sources begin to dry up, causing water scarcity. With no alternative water supply except for limited water tanker services, with only one barrel per family, the situation becomes dire for nearly four months of summer. Velip emphasized the urgent need for arrangements like water storage tanks, bore wells, or wells to mitigate the hardships faced during the summer season.
Similarly, in the Avedem panchayat area, there are natural wells that are at risk of being contaminated due to a lack of proper protection and maintenance.
Rupali Prabhudesai from Avedem lamented that water problems have become pervasive throughout Goa. In Avedem, despite the presence of wells, springs, and rivers, concerns arise regarding the maintenance and purification of well water to preserve the natural water resources. Prabhudesai called upon the local panchayats to shoulder the responsibility of conserving the water resources of the village for future generations.
