The recent breach in the Tillari canal serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges Bardez taluka in North Goa is facing concerning its water supply. When the canal suffered a major breach on January 24, the impact was immediate: taps across Bardez dried up, leaving residents scrambling for clean water. This incident, while alarming, is not a singular occurrence; it highlights an ongoing crisis that resurfaces annually, with many families affected by intermittent water supply issues.
Despite the completion of repairs to the Tillari canal, which were finalized on Monday, the repercussions of the breach lingered.
The disruption to raw water supply meant that the Assonora treatment plant had to cope with inadequate resources for nearly a week, pressuring the community’s water reserves.
In response to the crisis, authorities were forced to release water from the Amthane dam, Bicholim, to mitigate the immediate shortage. Such stopgap measures may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root causes of water infrastructure inadequacies.
The current situation underscores a pressing need for a comprehensive overhaul of the existing water infrastructure in Goa. Many pipelines are old and corroded, some dating back several decades.
This ageing infrastructure is especially vulnerable in coastal regions, where high corrosion rates lead to frequent bursts. Public Works Department (PWD) workers have expressed their frustrations, stating that they feel powerless to manage the recurring issues unless a complete pipeline replacement is undertaken.
Beyond the immediate physical repairs, there lies a broader question of priorities and spending. Goa prides itself on its commitment to “Har Ghar Jal,” or water for every home, yet the reality often reflects significant gaps between ambition and execution.
The government spends crores of rupees on various events and functions, yet infrastructure that directly impacts the daily lives of citizens remains underfunded and neglected. Dr. Pramod Sawant, who also oversees the PWD, has an opportunity to redirect focus towards the urgent task of upgrading and replacing pipelines across the taluka.
Investing in water infrastructure isn’t just about fixing leaks and ensuring taps work; it is about fostering trust and safety within the community.
Residents of Bardez deserve reliable access to clean and sufficient water supplies, essential for their health and well-being. As we grapple with the implications of climate change, which already stresses water resources, the urgency to modernize drinking water systems cannot be overstated.
While the containment of crises such as the breach in the Tillari canal will only prove effective with systematic and long-term solutions.
The community of Bardez deserves actionable insights and concrete plans that aim not just to patch up the current issues but also to pave the way for sustainable water management practices.
It’s time for the government to prioritize this essential service and turn its attention away from temporary solutions towards a future where water shortage is a thing of the past. Only then can Goa truly claim the title of a model for universal water accessibility.
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