Porvorim Welfare Foundation President Vikas Prabhu Dessai drew attention to the deteriorating water supply in Porvorim and highlighted major tourism development projects approved for Goa.
Porvorim Water Woes:
Prabhu Dessai revealed that residents of Porvorim are facing a severe water shortage following road work that damaged water pipelines. “Taps trickle and then die, forcing locals to rely on wells and costly water tankers,” he said. According to reports, a 7,000-litre water tanker—priced at around Rs. 1,000—lasts only for a week, compelling residents to spend nearly Rs. 4,000 monthly to secure water.
Dhananjay Borkar, a local resident, noted, “The tap water supply has dwindled to a mere trickle. This situation began about six months ago after contractors, using earthmovers for road work and laying underground cables, damaged the water pipelines.”
Tourism and Infrastructure Developments:
Addressing future prospects, Prabhu Dessai mentioned that significant funds have been allocated by the Centre for developing Goa’s tourist destinations. In December 2024, the central government approved a fund of Rs. 3,295 crore for 40 tourist sites nationwide, with Goa receiving Rs. 188.21 crore. Out of this allocation, Rs. 27.47 crore is earmarked for establishing a digital museum based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Fonda, and Rs. 20.74 crore has been sanctioned for a Town Square project at Porvorim. Additionally, a separate Town Square project is set to be constructed at Parvari, with an estimated cost of Rs. 110 crores.
Criticism of Leadership:
- In a pointed critique, Prabhu Dessai challenged the Goa Chief Minister’s leadership. While Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently performed puja of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Sankhalim, asserting that his administration is inspired by Shivaji’s principles, Dessai countered that the CM must study Shivaji’s life closely, adding that “there is no sign of the good behavior or qualities of Shivaji seen anywhere in the current administration.”
