Goa has received 31 per cent deficient rainfall, which means that the state has received, on average, 69 per cent of its normal rainfall. However, this is only an average, as individual rain gauges have recorded varying amounts of rainfall. Consequently, the water levels in the state’s reservoirs also differ. In view of this, it would be prudent for the Water Resources Department to assess the storage levels of each reservoir and calculate how much water can be released until the onset of the next monsoon without depleting the available reserves. The department should prepare a reservoir-wise plan to ensure that sufficient water remains available until the reservoirs begin to refill with the next monsoon.
Water releases should be carefully calibrated for each reservoir, taking into account its current storage levels and the anticipated demand. As an immediate conservation measure, the daily water supply could be reduced from two hours to one hour, or at most one and a half hours, wherever feasible. This would help conserve water while accounting for losses due to evaporation, for which the Water Resources Department should already have the necessary data.
If Goa has received only 69 per cent of its normal rainfall, it is important to use the available water judiciously. While this figure is an average and does not reflect the actual storage levels of individual reservoirs, it highlights the need for conservation. People may have to reduce their water consumption, but this need not cause undue hardship if supplies are managed scientifically and equitably. There is no need for panic or alarm over the possibility of water running out before the next monsoon. With careful assessment, scientifically calculated releases and responsible consumption, it should be possible to manage the available water resources until the reservoirs are replenished by the next monsoon.
Elvidio Miranda via email
