Bicholim: Water scarcity across several villages in Bicholim taluka is worsening, with residents blaming extensive leakages in water shortage pipelines. Leakages have reportedly been spotted at several locations, including along the Vhalshim–Vathadev bypass road, near the ITI opposite the Housing Board, and along adjoining roads.Residents said leakages at multiple points across the taluka are leading to substantial water wastage and that timely repairs could significantly improve water availability.Social activist Raam Shirgaonkar from Kumbharwada, Bordem, said identifying and repairing leakage points would help conserve large quantities of water and ease shortages. He said Kumbharwada has faced irregular water supply for years, forcing residents to depend on a single well during periods of scarcity.Residents Sanjay Kharbe and Anil Usapkar said Bicholim frequently experiences acute water shortages, especially when major pipelines burst.Bicholim Municipal Council chairperson Vijaykumar Natekar said the municipality is trying to address the problem by supplying water through tankers whenever shortages arise.Suresh Bayekar of Surla said the Velguem–Pale region has been grappling with water scarcity for several years. He said the situation was often managed with tanker water sourced from Surla, which traditionally has abundant natural water resources. However, delayed rains this year have dried up agricultural fields, forcing farmers to irrigate their crops through pipelines.Deelip Desai of Sal described the situation in the village as alarming. He said residents frequently face interruptions in tap water supply and are compelled to rely on a well near the Mahadev-Bhumika Temple.Residents of Usap village marched to the PWD office in Bicholim twice to protest the persistent shortage. During the second demonstration, a group of agitated housewives staged a protest on the office premises.Meanwhile, Lavu Kotkar, a panch member from Ladfe, said that the village panchayat is making continuous efforts to address water-related issues whenever they arise. He said timely intervention and coordination with the concerned departments are essential to minimise the impact of water shortages on residents.
The only water well at Kumbharwada, Bordem, Bicholim.
Farmers in Surla irrigating crops through artificial means.
A pipeline leakage near ITI, Bicholim.
Residents of Sal village relying on their only available water well
