Proactive measures executed with an eye on the future are crucial to prevent water crisis
On Sunday, several village panchayats discussed potable water issues at their gram sabhas. The residents of Seraulim, Velim, Varca, amongst others, came up with solutions. Considering that Goa faces water shortages, particularly in summer, due to drying reservoirs, depleted groundwater and a poorly managed water system, they suggested the rejuvenation of public wells and other water bodies.
This is critical for addressing water crisis. Goa faces a peculiar situation: on the one hand, it is a water-rich state, receiving abundant rainfall, yet its citizens face water deficiencies. Rejuvenation increases the storage capacity of water bodies, allowing rainwater to percolate into the ground, which replenishes the water table. It also helps to protect, conserve and manage biodiversity.
The focus should be on a participatory approach, involving panchayat bodies and farmers to ensure long-term maintenance of revived lakes. Restored wells will work as a sustainable source of potable water for the community, while rejuvenated ponds will facilitate irrigation.
Cleaning ponds helps remove accumulated silt, garbage and pollutants that contaminate local aquifers. Rejuvenated water bodies also act as natural sponges that reduce the risk of flooding during intense, sudden rainfall. Untreated sewage discharge from households and hotels is a major contributor to the pollution of rivers and water bodies. Last month’s case in Dabolim, which led to the hospitalisation of several people from a residential colony, was an eye-opener.
Last month, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that Goa’s real beauty lies in its natural water bodies, ecosystem and rich biodiversity, and not its beaches. Underscoring the importance of water conservation, he said the government has initiated serious measures towards rejuvenating natural lakes. He is right in saying that utmost importance must be given to the conservation of ecology and natural water bodies. He urged panchayat bodies and citizens, especially the student community, to play a proactive role in the conservation of lakes. Some very irresponsible people have littered in water bodies, throwing garbage and plastic into rivers and lakes, which is a serious environmental issue.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change has stepped forward to address the degradation of lakes across the state. The state has identified 39 lakes for rejuvenation, focusing on ecological revival, beautification, community integration and sustainable management, for which the services of Dr Sharad Kale, Padmashree awardee and former scientist of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, have been engaged. Participatory restoration projects, like the Amrit Sarovar initiative, bring villagers together to work towards a common goal. As stated earlier, the student community has the capacity and will play an important role in the conservation and protection of water bodies. However, some department or agency has to establish a connection between the students and the government body.
In the past, lakes and public wells were given much importance. They were sources of clean water and provided for human needs. Years after potable water was provided and buildings were allowed without properly functioning sewage treatment plants, Goa began witnessing a new crisis—water contamination. Health is more important, and government agencies need to work in coordination to tackle such issues. The revitalisation of water bodies should be taken up on priority in consultation with the local community. Many times, the government’s priority becomes the laying of new pipelines. Efforts at the rejuvenation of public wells, lakes and ponds should be seen more on the ground than in air-conditioned boardroom discussions and plans. There has to be holistic development to address the water crisis.
