...5-star water guzzlers...The government's push to develop mass-market luxury tourism in Goa has placed a heavy strain on the state's water resources, and the upmarket hotels carry most of the blame. In some areas, guests languish beside Olympic-sized swimming pools while just outside the gates the water supply to the locals is limited to a few hours a day. Some of the bigger hotels have drilled deep tube wells to syphon off their own supplies, but the effect has been to lower the water table in the area. Wells have dried up in some villages, and been polluted with salt water in others.
Travellers can help alleviate this problem by using water sparingly and avoiding the swanky resorts which soak up vital water supplies needed by Goan farmers. The usual water-conservation tips apply: don't leave taps running, and use the shower or a bucket of water to wash instead of taking a bath. If you're selecting a package tour or choosing a hotel to stay at, consider whether you want to condone the use of a swimming pool in such circumstances. Who needs a pool when the Arabian Sea is just a short walk away?
The good news is that Goans are better informed about their environment and what threatens it than many other Indians, and are more prepared to fight for its protection. Some of the first package tourists to arrive in Goa were greeted by organised locals who handed out leaflets asking visitors to let their compatriots know they were not welcome in the state. For an excellent overview of the current state of the Goan environment, pick up a copy of Fish Curry & Rice, available at most Goan bookshops.
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