MAPUSA
The State’s major reservoirs have filled up rapidly this monsoon, ensuring ample water security for the State.
The major dams are now at or above capacity, with the lone exception of Amthane in Bardez, which was deliberately drained to replace its spillway gates.
Water Resources Department (WRD) Chief Engineer Dnyaneshwar Salelkar said the inflows have been steady, reducing the risk of sudden flooding. “This year there has been no cause for concern over flooding from reservoirs as rainfall has been gradual and discharge is being regulated. We are, however, keeping a close watch on Tillari since Maharashtra has recorded very heavy rainfall in the past few days,” Salelkar noted.
The first sign of abundance came in South Goa when the Gaunem dam in Canacona began overflowing on June 19 after the early onset of the monsoon, followed by the Selaulim reservoir, the State’s largest water source, on June 25.
Panchwadi, which supplies Shiroda and neighbouring villages, reached its peak in early July. Chapoli, another Canacona reservoir, has also swelled to full capacity.
WRD engineers say these steady inflows have secured water availability for much of South Goa for the coming months.
In the north, the Anjunem reservoir in Sattari taluka has reached 93 percent of its storage capacity.
WRD officials opened its spill gates once the water level crossed the 90-metre mark, releasing controlled flows into the Costi and Valvanti rivers.
Unlike most reservoirs where excess water is discharged automatically, Anjunem requires manual operation of gates “ making close monitoring essential during peak rains.
Across the border in Maharashtra’s Dodamarg taluka, the Tillari dam “ a crucial source of irrigation and drinking water for Bardez, Pernem and parts of Bicholim “ filled up in the first week of July.
With Maharashtra receiving heavy downpours over the past several days, WRD officials in Goa are on alert to manage sudden surges in inflow.
The Amthane reservoir stands out as the only one still below capacity. The WRD had deliberately drained it earlier this year to facilitate the replacement of its spillway gates. “The work is now nearing completion and the process of refilling has already begun,” a senior WRD official confirmed.
With six reservoirs at full capacity and Amthane set to recover soon, Goa enters the latter half of the monsoon with strong water reserves and limited flood risk “ a balance officials say is critical for both water security and safety.
