Lake rejuvenation to tackle capital’s summer water woes in two years

Panaji: To combat recurring water shortages in the state capital during peak summer, state govt plans to rejuvenate two major lakes, Pernem and Carambolim, with the aim of channeling their water supply to Panaji by the summer of 2027.

The initiative was announced by Sharad Kale, a retired scientist from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and advisor to chief minister Pramod Sawant.“Despite receiving 3,000-4,000mm of annual rainfall, Goa continues to grapple with water scarcity in the dry months. We have to collectively take responsibility for this. The lakes of Goa are so good that we will not need anything else if they are rejuvenated,” he told TOI.According to Kale, the biggest challenge is that many of Goa’s lakes have become stagnant and eutrophied, turning into breeding grounds for invasive species, bacteria, and organisms that damage the ecosystem. “Lakes are natural water harvesters. Unless a lake is dynamic, it will not serve any purpose. Once the streams at the bottom of these lakes get blocked, the water body loses its ability to harvest and store water,” he said.

“If a focused and concentrated effort is made, Goa could achieve self-sufficiency in water within the next five years, eliminating the need for water tankers or even dams,” he added.The first phase will focus on reviving the Pernem and Carambolim lakes within the next 1.5 years. “These are big lakes, and once they have recovered, they can satisfy the needs of a large population. We want to use this water for supply to Panaji by the summer of 2027.

Once this model succeeds, we can replicate it across other lakes in Goa,” Kale said.With Goa govt already offering fisheries schemes, the initiative also carries an aquaculture component, with plans to revive fish populations through cage culture of freshwater fish species.“Currently, contamination has stunted natural fish multiplication in these lakes, but rejuvenation is expected to create a healthier aquatic ecosystem,” he said. “Once successful, this project could redefine how Goa manages its abundant rainfall and water resources, offering a blueprint for other states struggling with water scarcity.”