MAPUSA
With barely two days left for June to end, Goa's reservoirs remain significantly below their storage levels of a year ago, exposing the impact of an erratic southwest monsoon and raising concerns over the State's dependence on seasonal rainfall for its drinking water needs.
The contrast with last year is striking.
By this time in 2025, the Selaulim reservoir had already reached full capacity and begun overflowing after an early monsoon onset on May 25.
This year, despite the monsoon arriving almost on schedule, prolonged dry spells after the initial showers have left the State's largest drinking water reservoir at just 27.5 per cent of its storage capacity.
The uneven rainfall pattern has emerged as the biggest reason behind the poor storage. While the monsoon arrived on time, the rains weakened soon after, leaving Goa virtually dry for nearly a week.
Although rainfall revived from June 22 onwards, most parts of the State have continued to receive only light to moderate showers, with the heavy spells needed to replenish reservoirs still missing, particularly in the catchment areas.
The subdued inflows are reflected across almost all major reservoirs.
The Tillari reservoir, which supplements water supply to North Goa, is currently at around 30 per cent capacity compared to nearly 60 per cent during the corresponding period last year.
The Anjunem reservoir, catering to Sattari and parts of Bicholim taluka, is holding only about 10 per cent of its storage. While Anjunem had also struggled to fill during this stage last year because of poor rainfall in its catchment, heavy rains during July and August eventually pushed the reservoir close to full capacity.
Among the smaller reservoirs, Chapoli stands at around 40 per cent, Gaunem at 43 per cent, and Panchwadi at 18.7 per cent. During the same period last year, Gaunem had already filled to capacity, while Chapoli and Panchwadi were nearing 70 per cent storage.
Only the Amthane reservoir, which supplies raw water to Bardez, Pernem and adjoining areas, is at the halfway mark with storage at 51.6 per cent.
The reservoir situation mirrors Goa's rainfall deficit.
Although the rainfall shortfall has narrowed over the past week following fresh showers, the State continues to remain below normal for June, underscoring how quickly prolonged dry spells can affect water availability despite an on-time monsoon.
“The coming weeks will now be crucial. July traditionally brings the heaviest rainfall to Goa, and sustained heavy showers in the reservoir catchments could still substantially improve storage levels before the end of the monsoon,” said a senior WRD official.
Until then, however, the State's reservoirs remain a reminder that a timely monsoon onset alone does not guarantee water security.
