VALPOI
Continuous heavy rainfall over the last four to five days across Sattari Taluka and the Western Ghats has significantly increased the water storage in the Anjunem Dam, one of North Goa’s most important water reservoirs.
The reservoir has now reached approximately 75% of its storage capacity, with the water level rising to 88 metres.
According to officials from the Water Resources Department, controlled release of water will be initiated only after the reservoir reaches the 92-metre mark, following due advance warning and necessary precautionary measures.
Sattari Mamlatdar Dhirendra Banavalikar visited the Anjunem Dam project and conducted a detailed review of the prevailing situation.
During the inspection, he held discussions with Water Resources Department officials regarding the rising water level, weather forecast, preparedness for water discharge, and emergency response measures.
He instructed officials to keep all systems fully prepared before the reservoir reaches full capacity and to ensure that any future release of water is carried out only after taking all necessary safety precautions.
Following the inspection, Mamlatdar Dhirendra Banavalikar said although the current situation at the dam is satisfactory, the administration remains fully alert considering the ongoing heavy rainfall in the ghats.
He noted that the reservoir level could rise rapidly at any time, and therefore the Water Resources Department has been directed to keep all emergency arrangements ready to avoid any unforeseen situation during the final filling stage. “The administration is receiving daily updates regarding the reservoir level, storage percentage, rainfall in the catchment area, and weather forecasts,” he said.
Heavy rainfall over the dam’s catchment area and the surrounding ghats during the past eight days has increased the reservoir storage by more than 25%. Officials stated that if the current spell of heavy rain continues, the water level is expected to rise even more rapidly. At present, the water level stands at 88 metres and could soon approach the 92-metre warning level.
Once the reservoir reaches the 92-metre level, the administration will first issue precautionary alerts. Depending on the prevailing conditions, the dam gates will then be opened gradually for a controlled release of water.
Prior to any discharge, advance information will be provided to villages located along the Valvanti River, local panchayats, disaster management authorities, and all departments concerned.
The administration has clarified that there is currently no danger from the Anjunem Dam. Citizens have been urged not to believe rumours circulating on social media and to rely only on official information issued by the administration and the Water Resources Department. If water release becomes necessary, adequate advance notice will be given and all required safety measures will be implemented.
