The Goa government has reportedly taken various measures to address the water crisis in the state, including augmenting water supply schemes, con-structing new water treatment plants and exploring alternative sources like mining pits. The government is reportedly also working on smart monitoring systems to optimize water distribution networks and minimize losses. It was reportedly suggested that water from abandoned mining pits could be considered as an emergency source if the water situation worsens. While mining pits often contain large volumes of stored water, an important question arises is whether this water is safe For human consumption. There is a need to work on identifying suitable technology
to make the water fit for large-scale supply. In Goa, many former iron ore mining pits have accumulated millions of cubic meters of water. Continuous monitoring is essential because water quality can change with seasons, rainfall patterns, and groundwater interactions. Several countries, including Australia, Germany, and Canada, have successfully converted former mining pits into water reservoirs, recreational lakes, or ecological habitats. However, these projects generally involve years of scientific assessment, remediation, and continuous environmental monitoring.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
