Parts of Goa hit by water shortages-ToI

TNN | May 11, 2013, 07.22 AM IST PANAJI/MARGAO: At the peak of summer and as some parts of the state suffer from irregular water supply, PWD claims the situation is under control. The current total availability of water is 546 million litres daily (MLD), which the department claims is sufficient to meet the water (domestic) requirement of the state. "We are comfortably placed except for a few places having water problems," a PWD official told TOI. PWD principal chief engineer J S S Rego said the situation has improved. "Except for minor problems, the overall water scenarioacross the state is good," Rego said. The water crisis persists in parts of Dabolim and Bogmalo in Mormugao taluka, while Bicholim and Sattari are also struggling for piped potable water. The water crisis persists in parts of Dabolim and Bogmalo in Mormugao taluka, while Bicholim and Sattari are also struggling for piped potable water. Savordem, Sanguem, Quepem are also facing shortages. "The problem here is because the reliance is more on natural water bodies which either dry up or see the water level dropping in the summer months," a PWD officer said. "We have about 40 tankers supplying water to all these areas," the PWD official added. The tourism industry is also hit, and hotels are purchasing water from private water suppliers. Water is supplied through tankers and the rates vary from Rs 800 to Rs 900 a tanker, sources said. In some parts of Mormugao taluka, the situation appeared quite bad. Mohiddin Shaikh from Islampur in Vasco said, "Initially we received water at 12:30am, but these days we have to remain awake the entire night. At times it may come even at 3:30am and goes during the early hours. It has started affecting out health as we are sleepless at night." Sada resident Samir Nagzarkar said they get water for 30 minutes at 7.00am and the pressure is low. In Salcete, especially in Margao, the situation is no better. "Water supply to Salcete and Mormugao is at restricted levels but we are not on drought levels and we are not facing any acute water shortage. The water levels are very much within permissible limits," PWD superintending engineer SR Paranjape said. PWD executive engineer Praveen Fatarpekar said water is judiciously distributed and necessary adjustments are made whenever there is restricted supply. PWD officials stated Salcete is supplied with 75 mld when the requirement is 80 mld and Mormugao is supplied between 55-60 mld when the requirement is 65 mld. The situation in North Goa has improved considerably after the capacity of the Assnora water treatment plant was enhanced to 50 MLD. Porvorim and many parts of Bardez—especially the coastal belt—had frequent water problems. "Problems of these areas were reduced after Assnora water treatment plant with an enhanced capacity was fully commissioned in August 2012," a PWD engineer said. Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Parts-of-Goa-hit-by-water-shortages/articleshow/19997934.cms