‘We have been deprived of tap water for nearly 10 years, despite being so close to Panaji’
Shahin Bepari Lambe
Panaji: Kadamba Plateau, located just five kilometres from Panaji, has been grappling with a severe water crisis for nearly a decade. Despite its proximity to the state capital and a major water pipeline passing through the area, residents continue to endure erratic and inadequate water supply.
The township atop the plateau has several upmarket residential complexes comprising hundreds of apartments.
Nilesh Joshi, a resident, said that while the situation had slightly improved over the past two years, the supply remains insufficient.
“We have been deprived of tap water for nearly 10 years, despite being so close to Panaji. After much agitation and complaints, we have started receiving water, but it is only available every alternate day for two hours, which is not enough to meet the daily needs of our households,” he said.
He said the pipeline passing through Kadamba Plateau carries 42 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water to Tiswadi taluka. However, only 0.5 MLD has been allocated to Kadamba Plateau, and even this minimal supply has not been consistently provided by authorities, leaving residents struggling for this essential resource, Joshi said.
“Some of us are using borewells. It’s unsustainable, and the government needs to take action. In the long run, existing water resources like the Karmali and Chimbel lakes should be developed and harnessed to meet the growing water demand of Kadamba Plateau and surrounding areas,” he said.
Sapresh Kavlekar, junior engineer, PWD (water division), Panaji, said that efforts were under way to address the crisis.
“Water is provided every alternate day, with each household receiving 500 litres for two hours. The situation will improve once the Ganjem water plant is completed, which is expected by the end of this year,” he said.
“The government needs to take immediate action. People are struggling to get water, and it’s high time they did something about it,” said Jaya, another resident. She added that despite holding valid panchayat and statutory licences, residents have faced inconsistent or non-existent water supply for years.
Prakash Pawar, another resident, said the limited water supply only benefits a small section of the area.
“After years of struggling, we now get water, but it’s only available to homes near Navelkar Hall and the City Hill area. The rest of us have to arrange for water through tankers,” he said.
Old Goa panch member Ambar Amonkar estimated that the area houses around 3,000 to 4,000 people, yet only about 10% receive a proper water supply.
“Under the Har Ghar Jal scheme, every household has the right to access clean water, which is a basic human necessity. The government needs to ensure that all residents of Kadamba Plateau receive this essential service,” he reckoned.
