Community water harvesting can end Goa’s shortages despite abundant rain
A positive story about a community-based initiative to resolve the water shortage issue has been reported from a hamlet in Betiki-Khandola. A rainwater-harvesting barrage has been completed at Jambulwada, providing a new water source to a hilltop settlement where residents have long faced scarcity and often trekked through the surrounding forest to find water.
The ‘PaaniAadvaa, PaaniJirvaa’ barrage was constructed to retain water flowing naturally through the area and facilitate its percolation into the ground, thereby improving water availability for the settlement. “For hundreds of years, these people have lived with the pain of water scarcity. Today, they have shown that when a community comes together with determination, even a difficult hilltop can be made to hold water,” said local MLA Govind Gaude.
Jambulwada has around 15-20 traditional houses with nearly 100 residents, and agriculture is the main livelihood. The water shortage, particularly during summer, made everyday life difficult. The villagers undertook the project through collective efforts and thanked the panchayat for supporting the initiative with funds. The project should serve as an example of community-led water conservation in Goa.
Goa receives over 120 inches of annual rainfall and yet experiences severe post-monsoon water shortages in many rural pockets and high-altitude settlements. While the state relies heavily on large dams, raw water distribution canals and pumping stations, any disruption in these legacy supply lines leaves citizens stranded. This points to critical infrastructure and management gaps.
Why is large-scale and widespread rainwater harvesting lacking in Goa? One reason could be the prevalent psychological assumption that after four months of rainfall, dams get filled up and water would be enough for the entire year. On paper, Goa mandates rainwater harvesting systems for residential complexes on plot areas of more than 2,000 sqm. Besides, the government offers subsidies through the Water Resources Department for individuals as well as cooperative housing societies. But compliance and enforcement remain poor. Some buildings are old and predate the rules coming into effect. Retrofitting is an issue.
Another reason for water shortages in some pockets may be the overutilisation of potable water infrastructure. The strain on the system is also due to rising demand. In the past 10 years, new residential complexes have come up even in villages. The state has fallen short of supply despite trying to upgrade infrastructure. Recently, a retired chief scientist of NIO also emphasised the need for rainwater harvesting.
The WRD will have to move into proactive mode and push for rainwater harvesting in residential complexes, institutions and even at the individual level. If required, the government must incentivise rainwater harvesting. The government needs to involve civic bodies, the local community, social organisations, technical persons, religious organisations and activists to create a culture of water conservation.
If the government is serious about enforcing rainwater harvesting, civic bodies should, in collaboration with WRD, build model rainwater harvesting structures at panchayat ghars, local schools or community halls. Allowing residents to see a functional, low-cost system in action demystifies the technology. Technical sessions must be conducted specifically to educate building welfare association members. Educating children on practical water budgeting and rooftop collection methods ensures that the next generation views water harvesting as a basic civic necessity rather than an optional add-on.
Showcasing local initiatives such as community-built rainwater harvesting barrages and percolation projects like those seen in rural hamlets proves that decentralised water security is entirely achievable when communities take charge. Villagers said the completion of the project marked a historic change for the hilltop community and offered the much-needed water security.
