MAPUSA
Acknowledging that Goa faces a daily water shortfall of 80 million litres per day (MLD), the Public Works Department (PWD) has initiated several projects to boost the supply of treated water, especially in critical areas like the North Goa coastal belt.
A senior PWD official revealed that two new filtration pumps are under construction to address the water supply issues in key regions.
One of these pumps, located in Assagao, is designed to serve the Siolim belt, while the other in Pilerne will cater to the water needs of the Calangute coastal belt.
A new 5.6 MLD water treatment plant in Assagao is under construction and is expected to be commissioned by the end of December.
The official further added that alongside building new facilities, work is underway to replace the ageing pipelines that have been contributing to water distribution problems in the area.
Additionally, a 15 MLD water filtration plant is being set up at the Pilerne-Saligao plateau, which is expected to alleviate water shortages in Calangute and Saligao constituencies.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has already begun constructing a 30 MLD raw water pumping station on the Tillari irrigation canal to supply water to the Pilerne Industrial Estate, where the filtration plant will be based.
PWD Chief Engineer Santosh Mhapne stated that various projects are in motion to increase the state's water supply by an additional 250 MLD.
Among the key initiatives is the Ganjem water treatment plant, which will contribute 25 MLD to the system. Other significant projects include new plants in Tuem (30 MLD) and Assonora (30 MLD).
In South Goa, a major expansion at the Selaulim treatment plant will add 100 MLD, which will make the region self-sufficient in terms of water supply.
"Most of these projects are expected to be completed by 2025, which will not only address the current deficit but also meet future water demand in the State," Mhapne explained.
With these infrastructure upgrades, the government aims to provide a sustainable solution to the growing water demand across both North and South Goa, ensuring that future water needs are adequately met.
