MARGAO
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Tuesday said the Anjunem dam is expected to be de-silted by next summer, while asserting that the responsibility for granting approval for such works rests with the Central government.
Speaking to the media, Shirodkar said the government cannot independently undertake de-silting operations in dams as they fall under the Centre’s jurisdiction. “The Goa government cannot take up de-silting of dams on its own since the matter falls within the domain of the Central government. Dams come under the Centre’s purview, and we need permission to carry out de-silting works,” he said.
The Minister informed that the state government will seek the Centre’s approval for de-silting the Anjunem dam within the next three months. “Once the necessary permission is obtained, we are hopeful that the Anjunem dam will be de-silted by next summer,” he added.
On the Selaulim dam, Shirodkar said it does not currently face any major siltation issues. However, he noted that the government will take a decision on de-silting based on the findings of an ongoing study being conducted by agencies appointed to assess the condition of the state’s dams.
