PANAJI
The State government has announced significant progress in the repair and renovation of the Tillari water canal, with 50 percent of the work on the Goa side now complete.
The project, which has so far cost the State government Rs 128 crore for the redesign and strengthening of the 28-km-long canal, is expected to ensure the canal remains durable for the next 25 years.
The renovation is intended to strengthen the canal infrastructure and guarantee uninterrupted water supply to critical areas in North Goa.
This includes the Assonora water treatment plant, which plays a pivotal role in meeting the State’s water requirements, as well as smaller treatment facilities in Guirim, Pilerne, Chandel, and Dhargal.
During an inspection on Friday at the Goa-Maharashtra border, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work.
“I am pleased with the progress and the quality of work executed by the contractor. The repairs carried out will ensure the canal’s durability for the next 25 years. Going forward, there will be no breaches or disruptions in the canal’s operations,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the contractor will oversee maintenance of the canal for the next five years, as part of the project’s warranty period.
Accompanying him during the inspection were Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar, Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, WRD Chief Engineer Pramod Badami, department officials, and representatives of the contracting firm.
Maharashtra’s neglected stretch
While the Goa side of the canal is undergoing significant upgrades, the section of the Tillari canal on the Maharashtra side remains in a deteriorated state.
The Chief Minister noted that at least 25 km of the canal on Maharashtra’s side requires a complete overhaul.
“The condition of the canal in Maharashtra is very poor and needs urgent attention. Department-level discussions between Goa and Maharashtra have already started, and I will personally take up the matter with my Maharashtra counterpart, Devendra Fadnavis, to ensure the required work is undertaken. It is crucial that the repairs on their side are completed quickly so that we can achieve a trouble-free water supply system for the next 25 years,” Sawant said.
Ironically, just before the inspection, a rupture occurred in the canal on the Maharashtra side, underlining the urgent need for repairs in that region.
Strengthening water infrastructure
The Tillari irrigation project is a joint initiative between the governments of Goa and Maharashtra.
However, over the years, the canal network has faced numerous challenges, including frequent breaches and seepages due to weak canal linings.
These issues have severely disrupted water supply for both irrigation and drinking purposes in Goa, with facilities like the Assonora, Chandel and Dhargal treatment plants particularly affected.
The government has invested over Rs 627 crore in modernising the State’s water infrastructure since 2022.
Officials believe this comprehensive approach is critical to meeting the growing water demands of the State’s population and industries.
The Chief Minister said that the Tillari Project is a lifeline for large parts of North Goa, supplying 240 MLD of water and with increasing demand, this requirement is projected to rise to 500 MLD.
The Tillari canal repairs, once completed, are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Goa’s water management capabilities.
However, collaboration with Maharashtra will be key to ensuring the long-term success of the project and preventing future disruptions.
