PANAJI
In all probability, the repair and maintenance of the Tillari Dam canal, scheduled for October 15, will be postponed due to the National Games 2023 commencing on October 26.
Confirming this, WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar said the government is certain Tillari officials from Maharashtra will heed to the request.
The final decision rests with the Tillari Irrigation project officials in Maharashtra, whom the Goa Water Resources Department communicated telephonically.
“We have requested the Tillari officials to delay the work until after the National Games. The final decision as to when the repairs will commence will be made on October 30 and subsequently communicated to the media. The work could even start on November 10 (a day after the Games’ closing ceremony) or later,” WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar said while speaking to The Goan, confirming the development. A reply from the Tillari official is awaited as a written request is yet to be submitted.
Sources stated that despite the government’s claims of having sufficient water supply and backup arrangements, authorities are taking precautions to ensure that athletes and related activities are not affected if there’s a water problem during the event.
The Maharashtra government had announced to carry out repair and maintenance work for 60 days till December 15.
The work will largely affect the coastal belt of Pernem and Bardez besides Bicholim among various other parts of the district, though the government claimed it will coordinate with its counterparts to ensure timely completion.
Shirodkar has reassured that there will be no water shortage even if the repair work resumes at any time.
