BICHOLIM
“Two doors were opened and water was released on Tuesday. The water was released in Kashti river in Keri area. The villagers and panchayat authorities in this area were informed one day in advance that water will be released,” said Pawadi. “Though the water level is likely to be increase to some extent, there is no danger to villages around the river, as the water discharge is very low,” he added. According to Pawadi, this year the rainfall has increased as compared to last year on August 2 and the total rainfall recorded in the dam area was 2449 mm and presently, the water level is almost 89.38, which is nearing 90 metres. “In 2015, the rainfall recorded as on August 2 was 1766 mm and the water level of the dam was 82.66 metres,” he said. Last year, the dam could not reach its maximum water level capacity of 93.2 metres and during the entire rainy season, the water level was below 90 metres, which was almost 2 metres less than the normal water level, due to which the gates were not opened. “This year, the rainfall is very good and the inflow of water in the dam is excellent, prompting the WRD department to release water. Presently, two gates are opened, but if heavy showers are witnessed again, then the authorities may open all the four gates of the dam to control the situation,” he said. He said the officials are closely monitoring the situation to initiate necessary action.
