Team Herald
MARGAO: Goa is facing a growing public health crisis as rising temperatures amid a prolonged heatwave expose the city’s lack of accessible public drinking water infrastructure. In response, Sunny Side South, a climate communication organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between policy, media, and communities, has proposed a cost-effective solution: retrofitting existing public toilets in Panjim with filtered water dispensers as a pilot project to provide free and safe drinking water in high-footfall areas.
According to Sunny Side South, the initiative comes amid alarming projections from the India Meteorological Department, which recorded extreme heat levels in Panjim in 2024 and predicts even more intense heatwaves in 2025. Kabir Naik, the organisation’s representative, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“Panjim is facing an urgent public health crisis due to the lack of accessible public drinking water infrastructure. With rising temperatures and increasing risks of heat stress and dehydration, gig workers, vendors, commuters, and tourists are left without safe and free drinking water options in high-footfall areas,” he said.
Many are forced to purchase packaged water, adding to their financial burden.
The organisation’s plan involves installing filtered water dispensers at public toilets, utilising existing municipal water supply lines to minimise costs and ensure rapid deployment. The dispensers, which will be mechanical and robust, will be placed outside toilet complexes to ensure accessibility without requiring individuals to enter the facilities. Clear wayfinding signage in Konkani, Hindi, and English will also be installed to guide the public to the nearest water points.
Three strategic locations have been identified for the pilot phase: the Panjim Municipal Market Complex, a public toilet near the Immaculate Conception Church, and the SBM toilet near the Panaji Bus Stand. These sites were chosen due to their high pedestrian traffic and existing infrastructure.
Sunny Side South underscores the cost-effectiveness and scalability of the solution. By retrofitting existing public toilets, the initiative avoids the need for expensive standalone infrastructure while ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water. The organisation also sees potential for public-private partnerships, with local businesses and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives supporting long-term maintenance.
The organisation has conducted field assessments and prepared detailed materials, including an information sheet and a short video, to outline the problem and proposed solution. They are calling for collaboration with municipal authorities, policymakers, businesses, and citizen groups to bring the initiative to life.