MAPUSA
As the summer heat intensifies across the State, rising water consumption has begun to reflect in reservoir levels, with several key dams now hovering around or below the 50 per cent mark.
However, officials maintain that the situation remains under control for now.
Data from the Water Resources Department (WRD) indicates that while water levels have declined in recent weeks, they are still within manageable limits. The Selaulim dam, the primary source of drinking water for South Goa, currently stands at 53 per cent of its storage capacity.
In North Goa, the Tillari dam has dropped to the halfway mark at 50 per cent. Other reservoirs are faring slightly better, with Chapoli in Canacona and the smaller Gaunem reservoir recording levels of 58 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively.
Concerns are more pronounced in some pockets, particularly in the hinterland. The Anjunem reservoir, which caters to Sattari and parts of Bicholim taluka, has dipped to 36 per cent, while the Amthane dam “ supplying Bardez, Pernem and parts of Bicholim “ has recorded the lowest level among major reservoirs at just 33 per cent.
The Panchwadi dam currently stands at 46 per cent.
With April and May typically being the peak summer months, officials expect water consumption to rise further. Increased domestic usage, coupled with tourism-related demand, is likely to exert additional pressure on existing resources.
Despite the downward trend, authorities have struck a reassuring note.
“We are closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis. While there is a seasonal dip in storage levels due to higher consumption and evaporation, the current figures are not alarming,” a senior WRD official said on condition of anonymity.
The official added that contingency measures, including regulated supply and inter-reservoir management, are in place if needed.
“At this stage, there is no immediate cause for concern. We have adequate reserves to meet demand through the summer,” the official said.
There is also cautious optimism about pre-monsoon showers.
Officials noted that even sporadic summer rainfall could help stabilise reservoir levels and ease pressure in the coming weeks.
