MAPUSA: With rainfall taking a hit this year, Goa has begun storing water in its check dams nearly two months earlier than usual, with the Water Resources Department starting to close the gates from September 25.
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar said the move was aimed at preventing water shortages in the coming months, particularly for agriculture and horticulture.
“Normally, the gates of the check dams are closed towards the end of November. This year, we have started impounding water from September 25,” Shirodkar said at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
The State has also added 100 check dams, taking the total to over 500. The new structures have been built primarily to augment water availability for agriculture.
Shirodkar said the department will conduct a detailed review on October 5 to assess water storage levels in the check dams and determine whether further measures are needed.
The minister said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had directed the department to plan for maximum possible water storage in the State.
“The more water we store, the greater will be the prosperity generated through agriculture,” Shirodkar said.
The Water Resources Department is responsible for supplying water for agriculture and horticulture, besides ensuring drinking-water availability across the State.
