PANAJI/MAPUSA
The State government has increased the budget for the Drinking Water Department by 25.94%, allocating Rs 1,009.5 crore in the 2026-27 State Budget. The focus is on strengthening water supply infrastructure, completing ongoing projects, and improving distribution across Goa. The State government also plans to strengthen water supply in Tiswadi taluka.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the government is committed to developing water supply systems and ensuring fair access to drinking water for all citizens. He added that automation in the water supply system is being explored to cut losses and allow better monitoring of consumption. The rise in allocation reflects the government’s push to improve water availability and modernise the supply network.
Of the total, Rs 478.5 crore is set aside to complete ongoing projects and strengthen pipeline distribution for balanced, sustainable supply across regions.
Several Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) with a combined capacity of 225 million litres per day (MLD) are planned for 2026-27: 100 MLD at Shelpe, 30 MLD at Tuem and Assonora, 15 MLD at Pilerne and Mollem, 25 MLD at Ganjem, and 10 MLD at Mencurem.
A major project is the upgrade of the 160 MLD Salaulim WTP to 240 MLD at an estimated cost of Rs 366 crore, which will significantly boost water supply in the area. A new 100 MLD transmission line from Salaulim and a dedicated pipeline from Verna to Bambolim will also improve availability in Tiswadi taluka.
The government has begun replacing ageing pipelines in phases to reduce leaks and increase distribution efficiency. Plans are also underway to automate the State’s water supply system for better monitoring, reduced losses, and improved operational efficiency.
