MAPUSA
Expressing concern over the rapidly declining water levels in Goa's reservoirs, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed the Water Resources Department (WRD) to issue a circular making water conservation measures compulsory for borewell owners to help recharge water sources and avert a deeper water crisis next year.
The Chief Minister's remarks come just two days after The Goan highlighted the alarming situation at the Anjunem reservoir, where water storage had fallen to a critical 11 per cent, raising concerns over both drinking water availability and water quality.
Speaking on the issue, Sawant said the State could face a difficult year ahead due to the possibility of below-normal rainfall.
"Given the present situation, it is expected that rainfall will be less this year. Therefore, conserving water has become extremely important," he said.
Sawant said he has instructed the WRD to issue a circular requiring all borewell owners to implement water conservation and recharge measures.
"I have directed the WRD to issue a circular under which all borewell owners will have to compulsorily undertake water conservation measures," he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that replenishing reservoirs and groundwater sources must become a priority across the State.
"To recharge the reservoirs, it is important to take water conservation measures. Wherever such measures can be implemented, they should be undertaken. Otherwise, next year we may face an even more severe water shortage," he warned.
The concern comes amid poor rainfall recorded across Goa over the past week and forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the possibility of deficient rainfall in parts of the country due to the El Niño effect.
Apart from Anjunem, the water situation in several other reservoirs remains worrying. Selaulim dam, the primary drinking water source for large parts of Salcete and South Goa, currently holds only 28 per cent of its storage capacity. Tillari dam stands at 31 per cent, while Panchwadi reservoir has dropped to 20 per cent.
Among the smaller reservoirs, Chapoli and Gaunem have storage levels of 41 per cent and 44 per cent respectively. Amthane is the only reservoir with water levels above the halfway mark, at 52 per cent.
