WRD revises project cost to Rs 35 cr as maintenance issues persist
PANAJI
As the phase-wise emptying of the Amthane Dam continues to facilitate the installation of two new gates, the Water Resources Department (WRD) reportedly recently issued a revised estimate of Rs 35 crore for the works in and around the site.
Documents assessed by 'The Goan' reveal that an initial estimate of Rs 16 crore was drawn up in 2023 for the “beautification” of the dam site, which included landscaping. The provision of Rs 1 crore for restoring the dam gates was also included, with the contract awarded to a Karnataka-based firm also involved in some of Panaji's Smart City works.
However, the gate restoration was reportedly never carried out, resulting in corrosion, as admitted by the WRD. Sources added that despite this, the contractor is said to have applied for a Completion Certificate and, within around two years, the estimate too increased by over 100 per cent.
“When questioned about the non-compliance, a fresh estimate of Rs 35 crore was prepared by the department, incorporating both beautification and gate restoration. The revised estimate now placed the cost of restoring the gates at Rs 3 crore,” the source said.
When contacted, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirdodkar conceded that the revised estimate could be in that range. “The beautification is half complete. It should be finished soon. As for the (installation of new) gates, the work will begin after a week,” he told 'The Goan', adding that further details would be shared next week.
In 2022, Shirdodkar told the media that Amthane Dam and Sal bandhara would be tourist attractions once beautification works were completed.
The Amthane Dam, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for Bardez, has been plagued by maintenance issues, with its rusted gates non-functional for nearly a year. Officials familiar with the matter stated the jammed gates were a result of alleged neglect, despite clear directives seeking maintenance every three months, including the greasing of the gate’s nut-and-bolt system and oiling to prevent corrosion, etc.
On January 24, the WRD officials found the gates jammed when their attempt to open the gates to supply water to the Assonora plant failed. This had worsened the situation in Bardez, which was already hit by the water crisis.
