Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has taken significant steps to improve drinking water supply across the state with the formation of a new Department of Drinking Water (DDW). Made public on February 12, 2023, during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a 1,000-cubic-meter sump with pumping arrangements, this initiative aims to provide every household with at least four hours of drinking water daily.
Until now, water supply management has been handled by the Public Works Department (PWD), which also oversees roads, buildings, and other infrastructure initiatives. "The PWD is vast, managing roads, buildings, and infrastructure, often sidelining water supply. The new department will have a singular focus on drinking water and will be launched soon," Sawant stated, emphasizing the necessity for concentrated efforts dedicated solely to water accessibility.
This new department is part of a long-term vision to secure water supply in Goa for the next 25 years. "We need efficient engineers dedicated to this mission," Sawant declared. During the event, he stressed the importance of diversified water sources, indicating risks associated with relying on a singular water source for household needs.
Clarifying the responsibilities, Sawant noted the differentiated roles of the DDW and the Water Resources Department (WRD). The DDW will oversee the distribution of water to households, ensuring adequate supply, whereas the WRD will be responsible for maintaining water levels at reservoirs. With firmness, Sawant warned, "If reservoirs do not receive adequate water, strict action will follow." This dual structure is expected to optimize the management of water resources and improve overall service delivery to residents.
Sawant also addressed the issue of water billing, stating troubling statistics about payment compliance. Currently, 40% of Goa's population does not pay for water usage, creating financial strain on the management of this resource. “Sixty percent pay, but even then, the actual cost is Rs 20 per cubic litre, whereas consumers are charged only Rs 3, with the government bearing Rs 17,” he noted. This imbalance raises concerns about the sustainability of funding and resources needed to maintain and improve water infrastructure.
With ambitious plans laid out, the Chief Minister’s move to establish the DDW not only aims to rectify the existing shortcomings within the water supply chain but also indicates the importance of creating systems with clear accountability and specialization. The intended outcome is to make Goa self-sufficient and secure in its water supply, providing peace of mind for residents who rely on consistent and safe drinking water.
This organizational restructuring is viewed as pivotal, particularly amid growing concerns about climate change and the availability of water resources. By ensuring dedicated departments for drinking water and reservoir management, Goa aims to preemptively tackle potential future shortages and secure sustainable water access for all its residents.