MARGAO
Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Tuesday said that rainfall in neighbouring Maharashtra is expected to provide some relief amid the sharp decline in water levels at the Anjunem dam.
Appealing to the public not to panic over the water situation in the State, Shirodkar acknowledged that the water stock in the Anjunem dam had dropped to around 10 per cent as of Monday.
However, he assured that inflows from rainfall upstream have begun improving the situation.
“There should be no scare among the people regarding water availability in the State’s dams,” the minister said.
Explaining the developments, Shirodkar said the Water Resources Department (WRD) had informed him that rainfall recorded in parts of neighbouring Maharashtra over the last 24 hours has resulted in water flowing into the Virdi river, with the inflow already reaching the Padoshe water treatment plant. “Although there has been a water shortage, the rainwater has now reached the treatment plant and this will help improve the situation. There will be no water shortage,” he said.
The minister further stated that while Monday’s report indicated that the Anjunem dam had only about 10 per cent water stock remaining—sufficient to meet requirements for the next 10 to 15 days—the fresh inflows into the Virdi river are expected to ease concerns.
“As the rainwater continues to flow into the river and reaches the Padoshe treatment plant, the situation will improve further. There is no reason for alarm on the water front,” Shirodkar added.
On water availability in South Goa, the minister said the Selaulim reservoir continues to hold adequate water reserves. According to him, the reservoir has sufficient storage to cater to the region’s requirements for the next one-and-a-half months.
While admitting that the government remains concerned about falling water levels in dams across the State, Shirodkar reiterated that there is no immediate threat to drinking water supply and urged citizens not to be swayed by fear or speculation.
