Daijiworld Media Network- Goa
Goa, Jan 28: Chief minister Pramod Sawant has urged citizens to use water judiciously, emphasizing its high production cost. Speaking at Alto-Pilerne during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a 650 cubic metre overhead water tank, he revealed that the government spends Rs 22 to produce 1 cubic metre of potable water. Despite this, households consuming up to 16 cubic metres receive it free of charge, while those exceeding this limit are charged Rs 3.07 per cubic metre. Commercial consumers pay Rs 7 per cubic metre.
The event was attended by Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, ZP member Sandeep Bandodkar, Pilerne-Marra Panchayat Sarpanch Reshma Bandodkar, Dy Sarpanch Amarnath Govekar, and Panch members from Pilerne-Marra, Reis Magos, Nerul, Saligao, and Sangolda.
Sawant encouraged panchayats to lease land from Communidade and the government for agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, pisciculture, and dairy farming to promote self-sufficiency in Goa. He commended Pilerne for its horticulture initiatives and urged other panchayats in the Saligao constituency to follow suit. Additionally, he suggested that panchayats establish training centres to equip local youth with skills for self-employment.
The 650 cubic metre overhead water tank in Alto-Pilerne, costing Rs 7.50 crore, is expected to be completed within a year and will benefit around 15,000 residents. Saligao MLA Kedar Naik highlighted that the area’s residents, especially those at higher altitudes, have long faced water shortages, often relying on expensive water purchases. He affirmed that the new tank would resolve these issues and ensure a consistent water supply.
Naik also outlined upcoming development projects, including the construction of a Panchayat Ghar and community hall, near-completion of underground electric cabling, and ongoing work on a new sub-power station in Pilerne.
During the event, helmets were distributed to college students from the Pilerne-Marra panchayat area. Aishwarya Nair hosted the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.