MAPUSA
In a major water management initiative aimed at conserving reservoir storage, the Goa government will commence pumping water from the Kushawati River from Friday evening, a move expected to save nearly 70 million litres per day (MLD) of water that was until now being released from the Selaulim dam to meet the needs of Davorlim and adjoining areas.
Announcing the initiative, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar said the project forms part of the government's strategy to optimise the use of available water resources, particularly in a year that has witnessed below-normal rainfall.
"Earlier, we were releasing around 70 MLD of water from the Selaulim dam to Davorlim. From Davorlim, water was supplied to the Verna Industrial Estate. However, by the time the water reached Davorlim, only about 40 MLD was available as nearly 30 MLD was lost due to seepage and other transmission losses," Shirodkar said.
To address this, the government has decided to pump around 40 MLD of water directly from the Kushawati River. The pumped water will be routed to Davorlim and supplied onwards to the areas currently dependent on releases from the Selaulim reservoir.
The minister said a 10 MLD water treatment plant at Ceulim will treat part of the pumped water for drinking purposes before it is distributed to consumers.
"As a matter of water management, we will now release water from the dams only as and when required. With the Kushawati pumping project becoming operational, the daily release of 70 MLD from the Selaulim dam will be stopped, allowing that water to be retained in the reservoir," Shirodkar said.
The minister expressed confidence that despite the deficit in rainfall this monsoon, Goa would not face any shortage of water.
"There has been less rain so far this year, but I believe the monsoon will complete its 100-inch quota before the season ends. Even if the rainfall remains below normal, there will be sufficient water for the State because whatever rain we are receiving is getting stored in the dams. There has been no overflow from the reservoirs so far," he said.
Shirodkar said the Selaulim dam is presently around 70 per cent full, adding that the remaining storage is expected to be replenished with the rainfall anticipated over the next month.
The minister said the government's focus this year is on scientific water management by minimising unnecessary releases from reservoirs and making greater use of alternative sources such as the Kushawati River to ensure adequate water availability for both drinking and industrial requirements.
