Sankhali: The Sal pumping station will be completed within four months, after which Sal and surrounding areas will receive an improved and more reliable water supply, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Rs 150-crore Amthane-Cunchelim 150 MLD Raw Water Transmission Project, which he said would strengthen North Goa’s water security and provide an alternative source of raw water to treatment plants in the region.
“Providing reliable drinking water to every household is a priority for the state government and we have been working systematically towards becoming self-reliant in water management,” said Sawant.
Sawant said water planning had to take into account population growth, urbanisation, tourism, industrial expansion and agricultural requirements. “We prepared a comprehensive water policy with a vision for the next three decades,” he said.
Referring to Goa’s previous dependence on the Tillari Project, Sawant said cracks or technical problems in the canal had resulted in several parts of North Goa remaining without water for 10 to 15 days. He said the alternative raw water transmission system had been established to address the issue and ensure supply during emergencies.
Sawant said the project would benefit not only drinking water supply but also the industrial and agricultural sectors.
“The government is undertaking long-term water planning for rural areas and developing new water sources in view of population growth and tourism. Emphasis is being placed on borewell registration, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of wells and conservation of natural water resources,” he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, Sawant urged citizens to conserve water, avoid using potable water to wash vehicles, plant trees, promote water recycling and prevent pollution of water bodies.
Also present were Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye.
