MAPUSA
After weeks of uncertainty caused by an erratic southwest monsoon and a significant rainfall deficit, the Selaulim dam, Goa's largest and most important drinking water reservoir, finally began overflowing on Thursday evening, bringing much-needed relief to the State's water security.
The reservoir overflowed nearly three weeks later than its historical average. Selaulim typically starts overflowing around July 7, but this year it reached full capacity only on Wednesday before spilling over on Thursday evening.
In contrast, the reservoir had overflowed as early as June 25 last year after the southwest monsoon arrived ahead of schedule and produced widespread rainfall across Goa and its catchment areas.
The delayed overflow reflects the unusual monsoon pattern witnessed this year. Although the monsoon arrived in Goa on time, rainfall remained patchy and uneven through June and much of July, leaving the State with an overall rainfall deficit of around 32 per cent.
The prolonged dry spells slowed the inflow into reservoirs, raising concerns over water availability if the deficit had continued.
However, persistent rainfall over the past several days in the Western Ghats and the Selaulim catchment reversed the situation, rapidly replenishing the reservoir and enabling it to attain its full storage capacity.
The overflow of the Selaulim dam is significant as it secures raw water availability for much of South Goa during the coming months.
Located at Uguem in Sanguem taluka, the reservoir is the State's largest freshwater storage facility and supplies raw water to treatment plants serving thousands of households, industries and commercial establishments.
Storage levels in other reservoirs have also improved considerably following the recent rains. The Gaunem reservoir in Canacona has reached 100 per cent capacity and is expected to begin overflowing shortly.
Among the remaining reservoirs, Panchwadi has reached 90 per cent of its storage capacity, Amthane 81 per cent, Chapoli 64 per cent and Anjunem 57 per cent.
The Tillari dam in neighbouring Maharashtra, a key source of raw water for parts of North Goa, has also registered healthy storage at 84 per cent of its capacity.
With the State's major reservoirs continuing to receive inflows, officials expect storage levels to improve further if rainfall persists through August.
