PANAJI
With the southwest monsoon yet to arrive and reservoir levels dipping across the state, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar sought to allay public concerns, assuring that Goa has sufficient water reserves to sustain drinking water needs for the coming weeks and that there is no immediate threat of a water shortage.
Speaking to reporters, Shirodkar urged the media not to create unnecessary alarm over reservoir levels and maintained that the Water Resources Department is fully prepared to manage the situation.
“Panchawadi and Anjunem reservoirs have enough water to meet the state's requirements for about one month. Salaulim Dam holds sufficient reserves for nearly two months. Even if Goa does not receive rainfall for the next month, the WRD is prepared to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the people,” the minister said.
The assurance comes as reservoir storage levels across the state have witnessed a significant decline due to prolonged dry weather and unusually high temperatures.
The situation is particularly concerning at the Anjunem Dam in North Goa, where water storage has fallen to just 14 per cent of capacity. Panchawadi reservoir has dropped to 23 per cent, while Goa’s largest reservoir, Salaulim Dam, currently stands at 29 per cent of its live storage capacity.
The Tillari reservoir, which supplements water supply to parts of North Goa, is reported to be at 32 per cent capacity. Among the state's reservoirs, Chapoli in Canacona and Gaunem are relatively better placed, with storage levels at 40 per cent and 44 per cent respectively. The Amthane Dam, which supplies water to Bardez, Pernem and parts of Bicholim, remains the healthiest major reservoir in Goa, with water storage at 54 per cent capacity.
