NT Reporter
Margao
Velim AAP MLA Cruz Silva has urged the state government to immediately conduct a comprehensive scientific water audit across the state to assess available resources, consumption patterns and systemic wastage.
Silva said the audit should examine drinking water availability, the condition of supply infrastructure, distribution losses and the status of traditional water bodies, including wells, springs, ponds and streams.
“Before asking citizens to conserve, the government must establish exactly how much water is available, how much is being consumed, and how much is lost to inefficiencies,” Silva said, reacting to Department of Drinking Water Minister Subhash Phal Dessai’s appeal to people to avoid using treated water for gardening and washing vehicles.
Silva also called for
the identification and revival of abandoned water bodies, promotion of rainwater harvesting and village-level conservation plans in coordination with panchayats.
He said the audit would identify infrastructure gaps and help departments take timely corrective measures based on data.
He urged the government to publish the audit findings along with a time-bound action plan to safeguard water supplies for households and farmers throughout the year.
