There are many reasons for water crisis in Goa.
Goa is facing a severe drinking water crisis. This crisis has not come suddenly nor is there a single reason for it. But as soon as we hear the name of this state with tourist centers located on the banks of the Arabian Sea, the waving sea and greenery all around come before our eyes. Nature has gifted this state with abundant rainfall and rivers. Still the situation is bad. Let us know how this crisis arose in this coastal state and what is its solution?
The roots of the drinking water crisis in Goa are very old. Its signs started appearing in the year 1980-90. During this period, the tourism industry started expanding rapidly in Goa. Due to the construction of big hotels and resorts, excessive water started being extracted from wells in coastal areas. It was from this time that the ground water level began to decline and water became saline in some areas. The crisis started being felt between 2005 and 2010. This was the period when mining and urbanization were at their peak in Goa. Due to mining in areas like Bicholim and Satari of North Goa, natural springs started drying up. With the advent of big buildings in cities like Panjim and Margao, the demand for water suddenly increased, which the old treatment plants could not meet.
Why is the Mahadayi River dispute important?
When the Karnataka government made plans in 2002 to divert the water of Mahadayi (Mandvi) river, which is called the lifeline of Goa, then Goa realized the big crisis in future. This controversy has been going on since then and has put a threat to Goa’s water security. The situation has worsened in the last 5-6 years. During summer i.e. from March to May, water has to be supplied through tankers in many villages of South Goa and North Goa. Today the situation is such that even in a state with heavy rainfall, people get supply of water only for a few hours a week.
In Goa situated near the sea Water crisis has increased in the last 5-6 years. Photo: Unsplash
What are the main reasons for water crisis in Goa?
There is no single reason behind water shortage in Goa. There are many reasons for this. Some are due to geography and some due to local population and tourists.
- Brackish water: Goa has the vast Arabian Sea, but its water is not potable. Due to being close to the sea, the amount of salt in the groundwater of coastal areas is increasing.
- Dependence on rivers: Goa mainly depends on rivers like Mandovi and Zuari. There is a dispute going on with the neighboring states regarding the upper flow of these rivers.
- Uncontrolled Tourism: Every year lakhs of tourists come to Goa. During the tourist season, water consumption in hotels and resorts increases manifold, resulting in shortage of water for the local population.
- Impact of Mining: Illegal and uncontrolled mining in Goa has damaged the natural water sources. Due to this the water level has gone down.
- Urbanization: Due to concrete forests, rain water is not able to go underground and flows directly into the sea.
Uncontrolled tourism is also a reason for water crisis in Goa. Photo: Unsplash
Current water supply is based on rivers and dams
At present the supply of drinking water in Goa depends mainly on rivers and dams. Goa’s two largest rivers, the Mandovi (Mahadayi) and the Zuari, play the biggest role in quenching the state’s thirst. The Mandovi River supplies water to a large part of North Goa, while the Zuari River is important to South Goa. The water treatment plants of the state take water from these rivers. Some major dams have been built to save river water and supply it throughout the year. Among these, Selaulim Dam, Anjunam Dam, Opa Water Project and Tillari Dam are important. People in rural areas are still dependent on wells and borewells.
How much water does Goa need and how much is available?
Considering the population of Goa and the current pace of development, the gap between demand and supply of water is increasing. At present Goa requires about 600 to 650 million liters of drinking water per day. This demand increases further at the peak of tourism. Only about 550 million liters of water is supplied through the seven main treatment plants present in the state. It is estimated that by the year 2030, Goa will need more than 800 million liters of water every day. That means a gap of about 100-150 million liters still remains. This crisis will increase further.
Goa water crisis.
What steps did the state government take to deal with the crisis?
Goa government is working on Har Ghar Jal Mission and other schemes to overcome this crisis. The government is setting up new water treatment plants in areas like Ganalaxmi and Pernem to increase the supply. About 20-30 percent of water is being wasted due to leakage of old pipe-lines. The government is changing these pipes. To prevent wastage of water, smart meters are being installed so that consumption can be monitored. The government is making efforts at legal and political level to resolve the Mahadayi river dispute so that the state gets its rightful water. Rain water harvesting systems have been made mandatory in new constructions.
Permanent way out of crisis
This crisis cannot be ended by government efforts alone. For this, there is a need for an all-round strategy.
- Revival of traditional water sources: There are many old wells and natural springs in Goa. Cleaning and reviving them is the cheapest and most effective solution.
- Use of foreign technology: Goa can adopt technology like Israel, where plants are set up to sweeten the salt water of the sea.
- Improvement in Agriculture: Farmers should be encouraged to use drip irrigation so that water consumption in farming is reduced.
- public awareness: Common citizens and tourists will have to be made aware of saving water. Campaigns like Save Water, Save Goa will have to be run.
- Afforestation: Trees will have to be planted on the banks of mountains and rivers so that rain water can be retained and the ground water level increases.
Water crisis is a warning for Goa. If we do not respect our natural resources today, then this land of fish and feni will remain only history for the coming generations. The government, administration and public will have to work together so that the greenery and prosperity of Goa remains intact. It is a matter of pride to have a sea shore, but it is our responsibility to save fresh water.
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