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Tourism

Goa's Coastal Belt Grapples with Chronic Water Shortage

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Goa's coastal belt is facing a severe water crisis, with chronic shortages affecting residents and businesses alike. The hospitality sector is particularly hit, with families depending on tankers for water, and some even resorting to eating from the same plate to save water. The situation is ironic, given that adjacent constituencies like Porvorim, represented by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, receive piped water twice a day. Stakeholders have raised concerns that the state's tourism infrastructure could suffer long-term damage without a steady water supply.

Key Takeaways:

  • 908 water tankers are operating in the state, but a significant number have not renewed their registrations, raising concerns about illegal water supply practices.
  • The water shortage affects the hospitality sector, with 60-70% of water requirements met through tankers, at a rate of Rs 650-Rs 1,200 per tanker in May.
  • Residents in areas like Calangute, Baga, Candolim, and Assagao have struggled with contaminated open wells and damaged pipelines, forcing them to visit relatives or use tankers.
  • The president of the Small and Medium Hoteliers Association, Santosh Divkar, has called for creation of a fund for grey water treatment and financial support for small hotels to adopt rainwater harvesting.
  • Porvorim, represented by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, has seen no complaints regarding water supply, with residents receiving piped water twice a day.

Statistics:

  • 908 water tankers are operating in the state (WRD registration list).
  • 60-70% of water requirements for hospitality sector are met through tankers (hotel owner estimate).
  • Rs 650-Rs 1,200 per tanker in May (hotel owner estimate).
  • 2-4 tankers per day are required for the Calangute-Baga area (president of Small and Medium Hoteliers Association).
  • Residents in areas like Calangute, Baga, Candolim, and Assagao have struggled with contaminated open wells and damaged pipelines, with some families resorting to eating from the same plate to save water (resident interviews).

Sources:

  • WRD registration list in Goa.
  • Interviews with hotel owners and residents in Calangute, Baga, Candolim, and Assagao.
  • Statements from the president of Small and Medium Hoteliers Association, Santosh Divkar.
  • Statements from a resident in Porvorim.

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