Goa becomes first state to provide free water supply, no charges for up to 16k litre consumption

Easing the struggle for many citizens in the state, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the state will become the first state in the country to supply water free of cost to its citizens, starting today, September 1.

Sawant launched the ‘Save Water to Get Free Water’ scheme on Tuesday under which households in the state will not be charged for consumption up to 16,000 litres. Assessing a press conference in Panaji, Sawant said, "Goa will be the first state in the country to give water free to the people. We are not giving this water to waste; we want to save water to get free water."

The chief minister further added, “From September 1, we are reducing water bills. 16,000 litres of water will be given free of cost. From 1 September, 60 per cent of the households will get zero bills. Those living in flats or complexes will be able to utilise the scheme.”

Small businesses and restaurants will not have to pay industrial bills anymore. We are moving it to the commercial bill slab, they will be able to save money in a big way. OTS (one-time settlement) has been extended by 2 months to facilitate payment of pending bills: Goa CM

— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2021

This new scheme by the Goa government will not only benefit the people but also businesses. CM Sawant also announced that small businesses and restaurants will be transferred from the industrial to the commercial segment for water billing, due to which, they also will be able to avail the benefit of this scheme.

He said, “Small businesses and restaurants will not have to pay industrial bills anymore. We are moving it to the commercial bill slab, they will be able to save money in a big way. OTS (one-time settlement) has been extended by two months to facilitate payment of pending bills.”