Goa’s groundwater under siege
Goa is increasingly facing a new challenge of water scarcity. While tourism and urbanisation have long been key contributors to the state’s economy, the surge of housing projects equipped with swimming pools has escalated the demand for water thereby putting immense pressure on already dwindling underground water reserves. Bore wells are being dug with little regard for the environment, exacerbating the water crisis in rural areas. As a result, villagers are finding it increasingly difficult to access clean drinking water and some villages are forced to rely on water-tanker supplies to meet their basic needs. Large-scale housing projects that are increasingly being built come with luxurious amenities such as swimming pools and landscaped gardens which consume a large quantity of water. In this context, the need for a regulatory framework to govern the construction of swimming pools in residential complexes is critical. Swimming pools, which consume vast amounts of water, require constant replenishment to maintain water levels. Typically, water is drawn from groundwater sources via bore wells or from local water bodies, leading to over-extraction and further depletion of this vital resource. Housing projects with swimming pools should be mandated to have water recycling systems that allow the reuse of pool water and to install rainwater harvesting systems. Goa has a strict policy on groundwater use regulated under the Goa Ground Water Regulation Act, 2002, and its subsequent amendments, with the entire state notified as a regulated area. A policy on construction of swimming pools in housing projects is also needed to prevent groundwater depletion.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Safety on beaches
Two tourists from Tamil Nadu were arrested by Calangute Police on Friday for allegedly taking photographs of foreign women tourists on Baga Beach without their consent and harassing them. The arrests are part of a broader effort by the tourist security police following a rise in complaints from foreign women about harassment on the State’s beaches. In recent days, several domestic tourists have been detained, with most cases involving male tourists allegedly photographing or recording foreign women in swimwear and making inappropriate or suggestive remarks, violating their privacy and modesty. Many male tourists travelling without family companions have reportedly engaged in such behaviour, often under the influence of alcohol, targeting women visitors on the beaches. I hope that ongoing police action will ensure safer beach environments for all tourists in Goa, particularly women.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Toxic coal odour
Residents of Sada and jetty areas in Mormugao are facing serious issues due to foul odours from coal handling activities. The coal, when processed and sent for crushing, emits an unpleasant smell, which locals attribute to its low quality. Residents report that the odour has become unbearable and are raising concerns about its impact on public health, with complaints of breathing difficulties among children and senior citizens. They have demanded a halt to coal operations, emphasising that public health should not be compromised for business interests. While there is a proposal to install screens around the coal-handling area, locals believe this will not provide an adequate solution. The State Pollution Control Board is urged to take immediate action to address the issue and protect the health and well-being of the community.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
Tragedy strikes fair
Although this is not the first instance of safety lapses at the Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Faridabad—similar accidents were reported in 2002 and 2019—the recent incident at the 39th edition has once again exposed serious failures in oversight. A high-speed pendulum swing, locally known as the “Tsunami” ride, collapsed, resulting in at least two deaths and injuries to twelve others, including two women constables. Among the deceased was Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad (59), who was on duty managing security and attempting to rescue trapped passengers when a part of the ride fell on him. These recurring and disturbing accidents involving high-speed, inverted rides—hardly suitable as family entertainment at a mela meant for culture, social interaction, and trade—underscore the government’s failure to establish a clear accountability framework. There remains little transparency regarding penalties for organizers or compensation for victims, leaving affected families in uncertainty. A straightforward solution would be to mandate insurance coverage as part of the ticket price.
Bidyut Chatterjee, Faridabad
