Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 23: Despite being among the first States to declare 100 per cent “Har Ghar Jal” coverage, Goa is facing a growing water crisis marked by shortages, leakages and unreliable supply.
As of March, the State is grappling with an estimated shortfall of 65 million litres per day (MLD), with fast-growing urban areas such as Porvorim and Taleigao witnessing frequent disruptions. In several localities, supply is not only irregular but also affected by contamination from ageing pipelines.
At the core of the problem is a deteriorating distribution network. Nearly one-third of Goa’s 6,000-km pipeline system is over 40 years old, leading to frequent bursts and leakages. Officials admit that a large portion of treated water fails to reach consumers, with non-revenue water losses estimated at nearly 40 percent.
The crisis has been compounded by rising demand driven by urbanisation and tourism. Increasing numbers of residential complexes, villas and hotels have put pressure on both piped supply and groundwater resources. In coastal and peri-urban areas, wells are drying up or facing saline intrusion due to over-extraction.
To address the situation, the State government has announced plans to bridge the supply gap by the end of 2026, including increasing capacity by over 325 MLD through projects such as the Selaulim and Assonora treatment plants.
A proposal worth Rs 1,200 crore has also been submitted to replace around 2,000 km of ageing pipelines, considered critical to reducing losses. Additionally, authorities plan to install 800 digital flow meters to detect leaks and monitor usage.
However, concerns remain over implementation, with reports indicating that less than half of last year’s capital budget for water infrastructure was utilised.
Residents say the crisis is already affecting daily life. “We don’t need more announcements. We need water in our taps,” said a Porvorim resident, reflecting growing public frustration.
The widening gap between official claims and ground reality suggests that Goa’s water supply challenges are far from resolved.