Utilise water and power sparingly, urges Sawant

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant, in his message on the occasion of Goa Statehood Day, advocated judicious use of water and power by domestic consumers.
Addressing reporters, he said that the state government was subsidising the power and water supplied to residents.
Goa could face acute water shortage in the years to come and it was citizens’ responsibility to use water responsibly, Sawant said.
He said that, on its part, the government was working to ensure “sufficient water supply” for residents.
“Goans need to realise that the government spends Rs 15 per cubic litre to supply water to people through taps. But we take Rs 2.5 from the people,” he said.
The government is bearing the remaining cost for domestic water supply and people need to realise this, Sawant said.
“Water is precious and has to be used sparingly. It should not be wasted. Water shortage can become a problem in the coming years. We have to take precautions,” he said.
He also urged citizens not to use treated water for watering gardens or washing cars.
“Raw water can be used for such purposes. People should use water from wells or water bodies in villages. It will be cheaper and it will help the government also,” Sawant said.
“We have not managed to give 24x7 water, but our efforts are on towards that objective. We will ensure that people get water for sufficient time. But currently, because of water shortage, this is not possible,” he said.
Sawant also said that the state does not generate any electricity and instead purchases for Rs 3.9 to Rs 4.4 per unit. “We charge people Rs 1.4 to Rs 2.5 per unit. The difference is borne by the government. So power also should not be wasted,” he said.