NT Reporter | Margao
Minister for Drinking Water Subhash Phal Dessai
on Monday said that his
department is exploring
the use of mining pit water as a source of potable supply to meet the state’s growing needs.
Speaking to reporters in Margao, Phal Dessai
said recent tests have shown that water from these pits is of superior quality compared to that from the Salaulim Dam.
“It even does not require chlorination,” he said, calling the findings “promising” for Goa’s water security.
Stating that the initiative could transform what was once seen as an environmental concern into a valuable resource for the people of Goa, he said, “There are several such pits across mining areas, and we intend to put them to best use.”
He said that water management in the state would receive a significant boost if the use of mining pits succeeds in providing safe and reliable supply.
Along with introducing new potable water sources and planning a 200 MLD plant, Phal Dessai said the department is also working to bring down losses caused by leakage and theft.
“Presently, 40 per cent of water supply is unaccounted for – with leakages constituting 28 percent and theft accounting for 12 percent. Within a year, we aim to bring down theft cases to 6 percent,” he said. The department plans to adopt targeted mechanisms to curb these losses effectively, he added.
Highlighting infrastructure challenges, Phal Dessai said there is urgent need to replace decades-old pipelines, some over 40 years old. “Replacing these old pipelines is essential to control leakage. We will mobilise funds, including loans and borrowings, to meet this target,” he said.
On plans to modernise the water supply system, Phal Dessai said that the department is likely to introduce smart, digitalised meters, while reassuring citizens that the move would not burden consumers. “We will study the matter in detail before implementation to ensure fairness,” he said.
He added that special pressure pumps would be used to supply drinking water to people living in hilly terrain.
