Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Facing a sharp decline in water levels at the Anjunem reservoir, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has put emergency plans in place to maintain drinking water supply, with the dam currently holding only around 10 per cent of its capacity.
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar said the government is closely monitoring the situation caused by delayed monsoon rains and has taken precautionary steps to ensure residents do not face water shortages.
According to the minister, the remaining water in the Anjunem reservoir is expected to meet drinking water needs for the next 15 to 20 days. As a backup measure, the department is ready to begin drawing 40 to 50 million litres of water daily from the Pissurlem mining pit and channel it to the Podocem Water Treatment Plant if rainfall remains inadequate.
Shirodkar said the arrangement could be activated within the next few days if necessary, ensuring a steady supply of treated water to consumers in North Goa.
To preserve existing reserves, the WRD has temporarily halted the release of water for irrigation purposes from the reservoir. The Podocem treatment facility currently distributes approximately 80 MLD of water to various parts of the region.
The minister further stated that the Tillari canal network remains available as an additional source and can be utilised if the rainfall deficit continues over the coming weeks.
While the situation at Anjunem remains under watch, Shirodkar noted that water levels at the Selaulim dam are satisfactory and sufficient to cater to demand for at least another month to six weeks.
On the long-term front, the government is moving ahead with plans to strengthen the state’s water storage infrastructure. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for proposed mini dams at Kajumol and Charavane, which are expected to improve water availability and reduce the impact of seasonal shortages in the future.
The WRD will continue to assess reservoir levels and rainfall trends and take necessary decisions based on weather developments in the coming days.
