MAPUSA
Even as the Selaulim dam in South Goa has reached full capacity and begun to overflow following the early onset of monsoon, two other key dams – Amthane and Anjunem – are holding significantly lower water levels, raising concerns over the uneven distribution of rainfall across the State.
According to data from the Water Resources Department (WRD), the Amthane dam in North Goa is currently at just 11 percent of its total capacity, while the Anjunem dam stands at 23 percent.
The Amthane dam provides raw water to Bardez, Pernem and nearby areas, while the Anjunem dam caters to the water needs of the Sattari region and parts of Bicholim taluka.
Speaking on the disparity, WRD Chief Engineer Dnyaneshwar Salelkar clarified that the low water level in Amthane is a result of a deliberate decision.
“We had to restrict the inflow of rainwater into Amthane dam as repairs to the dam gate are currently in progress. It is a precautionary measure to ensure the work is completed safely,” he said.
WRD officials had earlier stated that repair work, including the installation of a new gate at the Amthane dam, would be taken up in the last week of May by gradually reducing the water level in the dam.
Back in January, when the raw water supply from the Tillari project was halted for maintenance, it was found that the gates at the Amthane dam — the alternative source for Bardez — were jammed, hampering water supply.
As for the Anjunem dam, Naik attributed the lower storage to insufficient rainfall in the region.
“There has been less rainfall in the catchment area of the Anjunem dam so far, which has impacted water collection. However, the monsoon has just begun, and we are confident that the dam will reach its full capacity in the coming weeks,” he assured.
The WRD officials had stated that work on the repair or installation of a new gate at the Amthane dam will be taken up in the last week of May by bringing down the level in the dam little by little.
In January when the raw water supply from Tillari had to be shut down for repairs, it was discovered that the gates were jammed to the alternative water supply to Bardez in Amthane dam.
According to dam level monitoring by the Water Resources Department (WRD), the Selaulim and Gaunem reservoirs have already reached full capacity and are overflowing.
The Tillari reservoir, which supplies both drinking and irrigation water to North Goa and parts of Maharashtra, has risen to 60 percent of its storage capacity.
Meanwhile, the Chapoli reservoir in Canacona has reached 71 percent of its capacity, while the Panchwadi reservoir, which caters to the Shiroda and Panchwadi regions, is currently at 88 percent.
Officials maintain that the situation is being closely monitored and that water availability across the State remains stable for now.
