Goa Pursues Water Security Projects Aiming For 2047 Self-Sufficiency
The Goan government is vigorously pursuing a series of water management initiatives to ensure the state’s water security for both drinking and irrigation needs until 2047. Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar affirmed this commitment on Friday, highlighting ongoing projects designed to overcome current challenges in water storage and supply.
Speaking at the launch of de-silting work for a water tank at Gogol Housing Board, Minister Shirodkar acknowledged that substantial quantities of monsoon water currently flow unused into the sea due to inadequate storage infrastructure. To counter this, the government has launched a comprehensive suite of projects across the state. These efforts have already brought lakhs of square meters of fields under cultivation through enhanced irrigation facilities, demonstrating a direct impact on agricultural productivity.
The de-silting of the Gogol water tank, undertaken at a cost of ₹50 lakh, is part of a larger state-wide effort. The WRD has successfully desilted and cleaned over 150 water tanks, ponds, and lakes in the past two years alone. This continuous work not only augments water availability but also significantly contributes to environmental protection and ecological balance. The Gogol tank’s de-silting is slated for completion before Ganesh Chaturthi, facilitating traditional idol immersion.
The state also aims to achieve full drinking water coverage by 2027, with efforts including the construction of numerous new bandharas and a ₹300-crore barrage to boost raw water storage. The WRD Minister stressed that these long-term projects are crucial for building a sustainable future for Goa’s residents and its vital ecosystems.
Goa’s proactive stance on water management aims to create a resilient water infrastructure. This strategy is vital for equitable resource distribution, supporting both urban populations and agricultural sectors, and fostering long-term environmental sustainability.
