MAPUSA
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has said that installation of new gates at the Amthane dam in Bardez is nearing completion and will take at least another 10 days, even as the process of refilling the reservoir has already begun.
WRD Chief Engineer Dnyaneshwar Salelkar confirmed that the work is progressing as per specifications.
“The work on installing the gates is going on as per design. It will take another 10 days to complete the project in its entirety,” Salelkar said.
Meanwhile, WRD officials have begun gradually refilling the reservoir. “About 40 RL of water has been filled so far,” an official informed.
Safety-driven upgrade
The gate installation project, executed by Bhakia Constructions, was commissioned after one of the existing gates at the dam malfunctioned earlier this year during April-May. To facilitate the replacement work, the water level at the dam was intentionally kept at a minimum.
The decision to install two new spillway gates was taken on the recommendations of the dam safety panel to strengthen the long-term structural safety of the reservoir and improve disaster management capabilities.
“Earlier, the dam was being operated with a sluice valve. Now, we are installing two gates which is a new system suggested by the dam safety panel,” Salelkar explained.
Key water source for North Goa
The Amthane reservoir is a vital source of drinking water and irrigation for North Goa, supplying Mapusa town and several surrounding villages. Officials said the project, once completed, will not only enhance safety but also improve operational efficiency of the reservoir.
With the monsoon replenishing reservoirs across Goa, Amthane remains the lone exception, though WRD expects the reservoir to be restored to normal levels once the gate installation is completed in the coming days.
