ASMITA POLJI
asmita@herald-goa.com
PERNEM : Irregular water supply seems to be a regular feature in Pernem taluka, which comprises of 20 village panchayats and a lone municipality. If the prevailing situation continues, then the residents are in for some severe dry days this summer.
Till date the Pernem PWD has given 17,000-plus tap connections. According to PWD sources, around 35 tap connections are given out on a monthly basis and around 300 to 350 connections are added every year.
Despite having 17,000-plus tap connections, only 15 MLD of water is supplied to the entire taluka, which is insufficient to satisfy the people’s water needs.
The Chandel water treatment plant treats 15 MLD of water on daily basis which is supplied to the 20 villages in the taluka. The plant gets an additional 17 MLD raw water on daily basis but only 15 MLD of treated water is supplied out which is not sufficient due to the increase in demand.
The water supply in most villages is irregular as some people get water on alternate days, while the others receive it daily. At some places the supply is for seven hours while at other places it lasts for over seven hours. Those receiving water supply on alternate days, are forced to store water for two days. Sometimes due to pipeline bursts and low pressure, people do not receive water for over two-three days.
The areas which do not get water on daily basis are sometimes supplied water through tankers, directly from the plant.
According to PWD sources, Palyem and Arambol get less than 3 MLD of water since they are at Tay line point.The plant can treat only 15 MLD of water, which is not sufficient for the entire Pernem taluka. PWD sources further said the plant will be further augmented and will soon treat 30 MLD of water.
Sources further informed that another water treatment plant will come up in Tuem, which will treat 20 MLD of water but the work is yet to be tendered.
When asked if the existing pipeline needs to be replaced, the official said, the existing pipeline was laid in 2012. “We have sent a proposal for a new pipeline but we are yet to get it sanctioned.”Sometimes people are forced to stay awake till late night or even early morning at around 2 am or 3 am to collect water due to irregular supply. Sometimes due to low pressure they have to wait for hours to fill a bucket.
