Goa’s water resources department has revealed an alarming rise in extraction levels, indicating growing pressure on the state’s water resources. From 2011 to 2023, groundwater extraction in Goa has surged by a significant 65%.
This increase, while not yet alarming enough to classify the state as water-stressed, is a clear indicator of a trend that could pose sustainability challenges in the near future.
The state’s groundwater resources, crucial for domestic consumption, irrigation, and various industrial needs, have been under increasing strain due to higher extraction rates. According to the report titled ‘Dynamic Groundwater Resources of Goa, 2023,’ the amount of water extracted has increased from 4,114 hectare-metres (ham) in 2011 to 6,775 ham in 2023. This steep rise in extraction reflects the growing reliance on groundwater, likely driven by the increase in man-made abstraction structures like borewells over the past decade.
Despite this uptick in extraction, Goa’s overall groundwater situation remains relatively stable, with the state being categorised as ‘safe’ with just 21.4% of groundwater extracted from the available reserves. The total annual extractable groundwater resource is estimated at 31,699.5 ham, which is well above the current extraction levels. However, the distribution of extraction varies significantly across different talukas, with Bardez and Mormugao seeing the highest rates of extraction relative to available resources. The report highlights that a significant portion of Goa’s groundwater is used for domestic purposes, accounting for 56% of total extraction, while 37% is used for irrigation, and just 7% for industrial purposes. This uneven distribution underscores the crucial role groundwater plays in daily life, particularly in sustaining agriculture and meeting the water demands of a growing population.
While the availability of groundwater remains higher than extraction levels, the increasing pressure on this resource is concerning. The report indicates a rise in recharge due to rainfall, which has increased by 2% from 2020 to 2023. However, the recharge from other sources such as water conservation structures and surface water irrigation has dropped significantly by 40%. This suggests that while natural recharge mechanisms are still at play, the infrastructure to capture and conserve rainwater is not keeping pace with the demand for groundwater. The report also examines the future availability of groundwater across different talukas, with the total available resource estimated at 24,740.2 ham. Mormugao, for instance, has the lowest availability at 1,021.7 ham, while Salcete has the highest at 3,040.6 ham. This disparity points to the need for targeted water management strategies across the state, especially in areas where extraction is high.
The increasing reliance on groundwater, particularly for irrigation in water-scarce areas, highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management practices. If current trends continue, the pressure on Goa’s water resources could intensify, making it imperative for authorities to invest in water conservation and management strategies. With a focus on eco-friendly solutions such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques, Goa can ensure the sustainable use of its precious groundwater resources. In conclusion, while Goa is currently classified as having safe groundwater levels, the 65% increase in extraction over the past decade is a wake-up call for more sustainable water management practices. The state must act swiftly to curb over-extraction and enhance recharge efforts to maintain its groundwater resources for future generations.
Goa Faces Growing Pressure on Groundwater Resources
