Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Apr 4: A recent groundwater assessment report by the Water Resources Department has revealed a significant rise of 65% in groundwater extraction across Goa over a 12-year period, from 2011 to 2023. Despite this increase, Goa has been categorized as ‘safe’ with 21.4% groundwater extraction.

The report titled ‘Dynamic Groundwater Resources of Goa, 2023’ highlights that the groundwater extraction increased from 4,114 hectare-metres (ham) in 2011 to 6,775 ham in 2023. The surge in extraction is attributed to a rise in the number of abstraction structures, including borewells and other manmade systems.

Bardez and Mormugao talukas have recorded the highest groundwater extraction levels compared to the availability of resources. The total rechargeable fresh groundwater resources have been estimated at 39,624.4 ham, with the annual extractable resource pegged at 31,699.5 ham.

The report states that domestic use accounts for 56% of groundwater extraction (3,818.8 ham), followed by irrigation at 37% (2,484.8 ham), and industrial purposes at 7% (471.5 ham).

A comparison between 2020 and 2023 shows a 2% increase in rainfall recharge, although recharge from other sources has decreased by 40%. Of the total recharge from all sources (39,624.4 ham), rainfall remains the major contributor with 35,951 ham, followed by water conservation structures (1,349.2 ham) and surface water irrigation (815.8 ham).

The availability of groundwater for future use across Goa stands at 24,740.2 ham, with Mormugao taluka recording the lowest availability at 1,021.7 ham and Salcete taluka the highest at 3,040.6 ham.

The report emphasizes that while groundwater availability remains sufficient for now, continuous monitoring and sustainable management practices are essential to prevent over-extraction and maintain resource balance.