Team Herald
PORVORIM: At a time when the Goa government is approving mega residential projects and allowing large-scale conversion of forests, orchards, and hillsides into settlement zones, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant admitted on Friday that providing 24x7 water supply to residents is not feasible.
Responding to a calling attention motion tabled by Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, Sawant told the State Assembly that the government’s goal is to ensure every household receives water for just four hours a day by the end of 2026.
“I admit that it is not possible to provide water 24x7, but the government has plans to ensure water supply for four hours a day to every household. Infrastructure development for this is underway and will be completed before 2026,” he said.
The admission raises a critical question: if the government cannot meet the basic water needs of its existing population, what is the justification for inviting more settlers through rampant real estate development? Sawant stated that the Public Works Department (PWD) is working on upgrading treatment facilities, distribution networks, and storage systems.
“For Bicholim and Mayem, the PWD is constructing a 10 MLD water treatment plant at Menkurem, along with reservoirs, conveying, and distribution pipelines. Several augmentation schemes are also in progress to improve water supply across the State. Additionally, PWD is implementing smart monitoring systems to detect leaks, optimise distribution, and improve efficiency, with the long-term vision of achieving 24x7 supply,” he said. Earlier, Shetye raised concerns over the persistent water shortages in North Goa, particularly in Bicholim and Mayem.
‘Calangute locals get water only for 30 mins every 2 days’
PORVORIM: Pushing for the issue of construction licences in the Calangute constituency to be suspended, MLA Michael Lobo highlighted the severe water crisis in the tourist hotspot, where residents receive water for just 30 minutes every two days.
“The North coastal belt is turning into a concrete jungle, yet we don’t have enough water for existing residents. There needs to be a serious discussion on this issue. If the government cannot ensure adequate water supply, then construction licences should be revoked—otherwise, we will face a severe crisis in the future,” Lobo warned.