PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that the government intends to achieve 100% in providing potable water and to become the number one in the country to do so. Presently the coverage is 87%. The government spends huge amount of money to provide clean potable water and at 1/4 of its cost, he said and urged the people to judiciously use water.
He was speaking after commissioning the 27 MLD water treatment plant at Opa Khandepar, Ponda on Friday.
The ambitious water treatment project will cater to the need of Ponda and Tiswadi taluka and is aimed to provide 24x7 water supply to the people in the State. This initiative of the government is also a step towards providing adequate and uninterrupted water supply.
Stressing on the need of judicious use of water, he appealed to the people to cooperate in taking forward the development being undertaken in the State and not to obstruct it.
PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar in his address said that the government is committed to provide uninterrupted water supply to the people in the State. The government has already initiated steps to augment existing water treatment plants and increase their water capacity to ensure round the clock water supply in the State.
Pauskar also said that the government intends to avail funds under Jaljivan Mission of Central government with the sole intention of laying special emphasis on rural areas.
Ex-chief minister and Ponda MLA Ravi Naik complimented the chief minister and concerned minister for their endeavour to commission the 27 MLD water treatment plant which is a step to upgrade water supply and accord priority to provide uninterrupted water supply to the people in the State. He also suggested to construct a road with the stretch of 500 mtrs from main road to water treatment plant.
The CEO of Gharpure Engineering & Constructions, Dinesh Patel and Principal Chief Engineer, and Chief Engineer and other Staff of PWD were honoured by Chief Minister Dr Sawant.
Principal Chief Engineer Uttam Parsekar welcomed while Chief Engineer Anil Ringane proposed a vote of thanks. Govind Bhagat compered.
Earlier, Dr Sawant visited DILASA Palliative Care Center, run by IMA Ponda Charitable Trust at Farmagudi and was welcomed by Dr Narayan Usgaonkar, chairman, IMA Ponda Charitable Trust, Dr Ajay Pednekar, vice-chairman, Dr Vallabh Dhaymodkar, Secretary and others.