This year spell unusually heavy, continuous: Official
MAPUSA
Heavy and persistent pre-monsoon showers, coupled with the early arrival of the Southwest monsoon, have provided significant relief to the State’s reservoirs, many of which had shown signs of depletion.
According to the latest data, water levels in several key dams across the State have seen a notable improvement when compared to the same period last year.
The early arrival of monsoon has given a much-needed boost to water storage levels in critical reservoirs, which are vital for drinking water supply and agricultural needs across the State.
“Pre-monsoon showers typically offer only temporary relief, but this year’s spell has been unusually heavy and continuous. This, combined with the early onset of the monsoon, has already started reversing the downward trend in reservoir levels,” said a senior official from the Water Resources Department.
Key reservoir
updates
The Selaulim dam, a lifeline for South Goa covering major towns such as Margao, Vasco, Quepem and Sanguem, currently holds 41 per cent of its capacity – an improvement over 37 per cent recorded in mid-May last year.
In contrast, the Tillari reservoir, a crucial source for both drinking and irrigation water in the State, is seeing a slight decline. The dam is currently at 26 per cent, down from 32 per cent during the same period last year.
Officials, however, are optimistic that the advancing monsoon will help replenish its levels in the coming weeks.
The Anjunem dam, catering to the Sattari region and parts of Bicholim, has shown a marginal increase, reaching 20 perc ent of capacity compared to 18 per cent last year.
Meanwhile, the Amthane dam, serving Bardez, Pernem and parts of Bicholim, stands at 52 per cent, which is significantly lower than the 70 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024.
Last year, this region had experienced more intense pre-monsoon showers, contributing to the higher reservoir levels.
Smaller reservoirs have also shown signs of recovery. The Panchwadi dam is currently at 30 per cent, up from 20 per cent last year, while Chapoli and Gaunem dams have maintained steady levels at 49 per cent and 60 per cent respectively – both marginally higher than the 47 percent recorded at this time in 2024.
Encouraging forecast
With the IMD forecasting a vigorous monsoon season across India, water authorities in Goa are hopeful that the reservoir levels will see substantial gains in the coming weeks.
“The early onset of the monsoon has lifted the immediate pressure, especially in areas where water scarcity was becoming a growing concern,” the WRD official said.
Experts, however, warn that while the initial rainfall is encouraging, a consistent and well-distributed monsoon is crucial for ensuring long-term water security.
“Reservoirs need sustained rainfall to reach optimal capacity. Early gains are promising, but it’s the mid and late monsoon period that truly determines the water availability for the rest of the year,” said Dr Ramesh Kumar, former NIO scientist.
