While farmers count losses, State’s water security receives a timely boost
MAPUSA
While the October rains have wreaked havoc on Goa’s farmlands, flattening paddy fields and leaving farmers distraught, they have simultaneously turned into an unexpected boon for the State’s water security.
Most of the State’s major and minor reservoirs are now brimming to capacity – a reassuring sign for uninterrupted water supply through the coming dry months.
According to data from the Water Resources Department (WRD), with the exception of the Amthane dam in North Goa, every major reservoir in the State is currently holding close to 100 per cent live storage.
The Selaulim dam, Goa’s largest and the lifeline for Salcete, Mormugao, Quepem and Sanguem talukas, stands at an impressive 102 per cent. The dam has been maintaining near-full levels since early June, when it started overflowing nearly a fortnight ahead of schedule due to the early onset of the monsoon.
In the North, Anjunem dam has maintained 99 per cent capacity, while across the border in Maharashtra, the Tillari dam – crucial for augmenting Goa’s drinking and irrigation needs – is overflowing at 98 per cent.
Smaller reservoirs such as Chapoli and Gaunem in Canacona, and Panchwadi in Ponda taluka, continue to remain at full capacity.
The only exception is the Amthane dam in Bardez, currently at 62 per cent. However, this dip is intentional, as the dam was partially drained earlier this year to facilitate spillway gate repairs.
A senior WRD engineer said, “From a water management perspective, the post-monsoon showers have been a blessing in disguise. Despite the agricultural losses, Goa now has one of its best-ever storage positions heading into the dry season. This will go a long way in ensuring a stable drinking water supply and supporting irrigation through the Rabi period.”
While the unseasonal rains, triggered by atmospheric disturbances, have left the farming community counting its losses, they have also recharged reservoirs to their limits – offering at least one silver lining in an otherwise soggy October.
