MAPUSA
The State government will introduce a new water management scheme to ensure Goa’s major dams have enough water by May to meet the State’s drinking water needs for at least the next three months, Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar announced on Wednesday.
The announcement comes amid concerns over water security after Goa recorded below-normal rainfall in June. The India Meteorological Department has also forecast below-normal rainfall for July, raising fears about reservoir levels.
Speaking to reporters, Shirodkar said the new scheme would focus on storing and managing available water more efficiently rather than creating new water sources.
“I will introduce a scheme to ensure that our dams have enough water in May to meet the State’s needs for at least three months. It is not a scheme to create water, but one to store and manage water efficiently,” he said.
Focus on major dams
The minister said the government’s priority would be to maintain adequate water levels in key reservoirs, especially the Selaulim and Anjunem dams, before the summer months. “We will ensure that major dams like Selaulim and Anjunem have sufficient water in May to meet the State’s requirements for the next three months,” he said.
No drinking water crisis
Shirodkar said there is no drinking water shortage in Goa despite the weak monsoon in June.
“I had said earlier too that we do not have a drinking water problem. Water levels in all dams have improved with the recent rains. Looking at the monsoon trend, we expect to achieve adequate storage levels in our reservoirs,” he said.
June saw a long dry spell, causing reservoir levels to fall well below those recorded during the same period last year and raising concerns about water availability if the monsoon did not improve. However, recent rainfall has helped increase storage in most reservoirs.
Crackdown on illegal borewells
Shirodkar said the WRD would make efficient water management its long-term priority to deal with changing rainfall patterns.
“Water management will be the guiding principle for the entire department. Every officer and staff member will work towards that objective,” he said.
The minister also announced that the department would begin action against illegal borewells from August, warning that unchecked groundwater extraction could threaten the State’s water resources. “I am personally against illegal borewells. We will put a proper system in place and take action against all unauthorised borewells across the State from August onwards,” he said.
