TEAMHERALD
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PANJIM: Old water pipelines in the State would be replaced under Central Government’s Flexi Fund Scheme, PWD Minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar announced in the Assembly on Tuesday, following his recent meeting with union PWD Minister.
He also admitted a fall in water level at Opa which had led to water shortage in some parts of the State.
“We have already identified some pipelines which are in very bad shape and need immediate repairs,” he said, while replying to a question raised by St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh during Zero Hour.
Wagh brought to the notice of the House that the people residing in his constituency are facing water shortage over last four to five days. He said that while in some parts there has been interrupted water supply, some villagers are facing acute water scarcity.
Admitting that there was water scarcity, Dhavalikar said that the problem has arisen due to the decreasing level at Opa plant, which supplies almost 10.5 MLD of water to St Andre per day.
“Selaulim reservoir supplies another 1.1 MLD of water to St Andre,” Dhavalikar said, stating that the constituency with population of over 28,000 requires 11.5 MLD of water per day.
Dhavalikar said that the water level of Opa plant has been 2.42 metres and hence there is a problem while supplying water through pipelines. “St Andre being located right at the end point of supply line, the water does not reach it,” he explained.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that the water level at Opa has increased from 2.00 mts to 2.42 mts only due to pumping of water from mining pits.
“If we had not directed firms to pump out water, entire Bardez and Tiswadi would face water scarcity,” he claimed.
Meanwhile, Dhavalikar said that government is working on different water plants for providing water to places such as Valpoi, Panjim, Taleigao, Bambolim, Dona Paula, St Andre Borim, Shiroda, Poriem etc.
