Daijiworld Media Network- Porvorim

Porvorim, Aug 7: The Goa government has absorbed a staggering Rs 65.5 crore under its ambitious Zero Water Bill Scheme, which remained in effect from September 1, 2021, to April 30, 2025, according to data presented in the state assembly by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Responding to a query raised by Velim MLA Cruz Silva, the Chief Minister stated that during the scheme’s tenure, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued 41.9 lakh zero bills to domestic consumers who kept their monthly water usage under 16,000 litres — the qualifying threshold for availing the benefit.

While the scheme was lauded for promoting water conservation, Sawant confirmed its official conclusion on May 1, 2025. He said the decision to discontinue was necessitated by misuse, such as using the subsidized water for car washing and garden maintenance, defeating the original objective of encouraging judicious water usage.

Despite the scheme’s end, Goa continues to supply treated water at a financial loss, with the government bearing a cost of Rs 16 per litre, Sawant informed the House.
Water Demand and Supply Overview

The Chief Minister outlined that the state’s total daily water demand — covering domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors — stands at 695 million litres per day (MLD). Among the talukas:

• Salcete has the highest demand at 146.5 MLD

• Bardez follows with 123 MLD

• Tiswadi with 94 MLD

However, Sawant assured that no village in Goa is facing acute water scarcity, and issues like non-supply or low pressure are usually localised, often due to power failures, pipeline leakages, breakdowns, or blockages.

“These issues are promptly attended to,” the CM said, adding that tanker supply is used temporarily, while long-term solutions are being implemented.

Modernisation and Future Projects

In a forward-looking statement, Sawant emphasized that the government is actively working on modernising the state’s water infrastructure, with investments being made in:

• Water treatment facilities

• Distribution networks

• Storage systems

He also revealed that 11 new projects aimed at constructing new water treatment plants or enhancing existing capacities are currently in progress. Among these, three key projects — located at Ganjem, Tuem, and Siolim — are expected to be commissioned by December 2025.

The CM reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring equitable and sustainable water supply, balancing conservation goals with infrastructural improvements.