VALPOI
Continuous heavy rainfall across Sattari and the Western Ghats has sharply increased the storage level of the Anjunem Dam reservoir, which has now reached 83.5% capacity. The water level currently stands at 90.08 metres, prompting the administration and Water Resources Department to step up preparedness for a possible controlled release of water.
Water Resources Department officials said water would be released in a phased manner once the reservoir reaches the 91.5-metre warning level. Advance information will be provided to residents and all concerned authorities before the dam gates are opened.
Officials, however, stressed that there is no immediate threat from the dam and appealed to citizens not to believe rumours or unverified messages circulating on social media.
Sattari Mamlatdar Dhirendra Banawalikar inspected the Anjunem Dam project and reviewed the preparedness of the authorities. He held discussions with Water Resources Department officials on the rising reservoir level, rainfall forecasts, water discharge arrangements and emergency response measures.
Banawalikar directed officials to ensure that all mechanical, electrical and control systems remain fully operational and that adequate manpower is available before the reservoir reaches full capacity. He also instructed that any water release be carried out in a controlled and phased manner after taking all necessary precautions.
Storage rises sharply
The rapid rise in reservoir storage marks a major turnaround from the situation earlier in the monsoon. With the monsoon delayed, storage had dropped to around 10%, raising concerns over drinking water availability and irrigation requirements for the coming summer.
The situation changed significantly after rainfall intensified towards the end of July and continued into August. Heavy rain in the catchment area and surrounding Western Ghats has increased storage by more than 33 percentage points in just a few days, taking it from around 50% to the present 83.5%.
The catchment area has recorded 2,388 mm of rainfall so far, while the Meteorological Department has forecast continued heavy rainfall over the Western Ghats.
Officials said the reservoir could rise rapidly if the current rainfall pattern continues. At 90.08 metres, the water level is now less than 1.5 metres below the 91.5-metre warning level.
Precautionary measures in place
Once the reservoir reaches 91.5 metres, the administration will issue a precautionary alert before opening the dam gates in phases. Advance notices will be issued to villages along the Valvanti River, village panchayats, police, disaster management authorities and other concerned agencies.
Officials said the controlled release would be planned to minimise the risk of flooding in riverbank areas and protect life and property. Measures will also be taken to minimise disruption to transportation and other activities in vulnerable areas.
Following his inspection, Banawalikar said the situation was presently satisfactory but stressed that the administration remained on alert due to the possibility of further heavy rainfall.
He said daily updates on reservoir levels, storage, catchment rainfall and weather forecasts were being monitored. The Revenue Department, Water Resources Department, Police Department and Disaster Management authorities are maintaining close coordination.
The Water Resources Department has also begun mechanical inspections and testing of control systems and electrical equipment at the dam. Additional personnel have been deployed at the site to ensure that water discharge can be carried out smoothly and safely if required.
Relief for North Goa
The sharp increase in Anjunem reservoir storage is being viewed as a major relief for North Goa. The dam is an important source for drinking water, irrigation and agricultural requirements, with monsoon storage playing a crucial role in meeting demand during the summer months.
The administration has reiterated that there is no danger at present and urged residents to depend only on official information. Officials said adequate advance notice would be issued before any water release.
With heavy rainfall continuing in the Western Ghats, the reservoir is expected to move closer to full capacity in the coming days if the current weather conditions persist.
