Bardez and a few areas in Bicholim have just emerged from a prolonged and devastating water crisis, with residents enduring a harrowing ten-day period without supply. This situation arose following the breach of the Tillari canal on the Maharashtra side, a critical provider of raw water to the Assonora water treatment plant. While the restoration has been completed, and there have been comforting words from the Water Resources Department to mitigate the crisis, the reality reveals a systemic failure to understand the basic water needs of common citizens.
The abrupt breach has thrown life completely out of gear forcing residents, particularly in Mapusa and surrounding areas, to rely on sporadic tanker services. These efforts fell drastically short of meeting the overwhelming demand, as numerous households were left without even a drop of water. The plight of those hardest hit—especially those residing in the tail-end areas of the distribution network like Porvorim — reminds us of the fragility of our water supply systems and how it could impact lives.
This is not the first disruption. The supply pipelines of the main canal of the Tillari Dam have been developing cracks at multiple locations for the past few decades. Breaches have been witnessed at Maneri-Dhangarwadi, Sateli- Bhedshi Khanyale and even the main canal at Mhavlankarwadi. The situation gets worse in the monsoons because of soil erosion.
The question before us is why is there no solution in place. If we recall, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had assured us of a direct line from Tillari to Goa so that the water crisis is resolved. WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar had announced in 2023 that an expenditure of Rs 330 crore was approved for the revival of over-year-old canals of the Tillari Inter-State Irrigation Project of Maharashtra and Goa during the sixth meeting of the Control Board of the Tillari Inter-State Dam Project. Why does the inconsistency over water supply from Tillari continue to haunt Goa?
The malfunction of the Amthane dam gate, which delayed efforts to source alternative water supplies, illustrated a sheer lack of preparedness for such emergencies. When faced with a crisis, it appears that repair work on essential infrastructure is often reactive rather than proactive. The sense of accomplishment displayed by some over water finally resuming cannot overshadow the ten days of misery and extreme discomfort that families had to endure in their daily lives.
The inability to formulate an effective contingency plan for such a crisis demonstrates a crucial shortcoming in handling this critical area. Water supply is an absolute day-to-day necessity which appears to be taken for granted until it is rendered unavailable. The State has to be ready with adequate alternatives. Non-functional motors or jammed gates speak poorly of contingency plans.
Moreover, the frequency of Tillari breaches compels us to reflect on the long-term viability of the infrastructure that serves as the backbone of our water supply. The fragility of the Tillari Canal signifies a pressing need for a comprehensive and more holistic plan. The State has to brace for future inadequacies to ensure that the citizens are not left high and dry. And we need to understand, water tankers are not the solution.
While the immediate crisis in Bardez has found a temporary resolution, the true challenge lies in the foundational issues that precipitate such disasters. The government must take this experience as a wake-up call to prioritize infrastructure development and establish robust contingency plans to protect residents from the anguish of water shortages. Water is life, and any failure in delivering this precious resource reflects a neglect of civic responsibility. It's time to move beyond hollow promises.
