Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Former minister Jose Philip D’Souza has raised concerns over Goa’s growing water shortage, warning that the State could face a severe and long-term water crisis if immediate corrective measures are not undertaken.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, D’Souza said the delayed arrival of the monsoon has exposed the vulnerability of Goa’s water resources, with several parts of the State already experiencing shortages. He attributed the situation to rampant hill cutting, large-scale deforestation and unchecked environmental degradation, which he said have disrupted natural weather patterns and weakened the State’s ability to conserve water.
“We are going backwards. People are once again cooking on chullas, and if the situation continues, they may soon have to depend on wells for water,” D’Souza remarked while highlighting the difficulties faced by residents.
He urged the government to treat the issue as an urgent priority and ensure adequate water supply across Goa. According to him, long-term planning is essential to address future challenges arising from climate change and irregular rainfall patterns.
Drawing attention to international examples, D’Souza said countries facing freshwater scarcity have successfully adopted alternative solutions. Referring to developments in the Middle East, he noted that cities such as Dubai have invested heavily in desalination technology, enabling the large-scale conversion of seawater into potable water.
He called on the Goa government to explore similar options and prepare long-term infrastructure plans to safeguard the State against future shortages.
“The government should realise that a permanent water crisis cannot be ruled out in the future. We must start planning now rather than waiting for shortages to become unmanageable,” he said.
D’Souza also advocated stricter controls on hill cutting and destruction of green cover, stressing that environmental conservation must go hand in hand with development. Protecting forests, water bodies and natural catchment areas, he said, is vital for ensuring Goa’s water security in the years to come.
Appealing for a long-term vision, he urged policymakers to act now to ensure future generations do not face a struggle for access to water, an increasingly precious resource worldwide.
