Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Heavy rainfall across Sattari taluka and the Western Ghats over the past several days has led to a sharp increase in water storage at the Anjunem reservoir, with the dam now holding nearly three-fourths of its total capacity.
Officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) said the reservoir level has risen to around 88 metres following continuous inflow from the catchment area. They clarified that water will not be released at this stage, as discharge procedures will be considered only after the level reaches 92 metres and all mandatory safety protocols are completed.
To assess the situation, Sattari Mamlatdar Dhirendra Banavalikar inspected the dam site and reviewed the preparedness of the WRD. He discussed the latest reservoir status, weather conditions, emergency response plans and arrangements required in the event of a controlled release.
During the visit, Banavalikar instructed officials to ensure all operational systems remain ready before the reservoir reaches its maximum level. He stressed that public safety must remain the top priority and that any decision to release water should be preceded by adequate precautionary measures.
The Mamlatdar said the present situation remains stable, but the administration is closely monitoring developments due to persistent rainfall in the ghat region. He noted that inflows into the reservoir could increase quickly if the current weather pattern continues, making preparedness essential.
According to officials, rainfall over the catchment during the past week has raised the reservoir’s storage by more than 25 per cent. If the heavy showers continue, the water level is expected to climb further and may soon approach the prescribed warning level.
Authorities said that before any water is released, precautionary alerts will be issued and downstream villages along the Valvanti River, local panchayats, disaster management agencies and other concerned departments will be informed well in advance. Any discharge, if required, will be carried out in a phased and regulated manner.
The administration has also appealed to residents not to pay heed to unverified messages circulating on social media. Officials reiterated that there is no cause for concern at present and assured that any decision regarding water release will be communicated through official channels with sufficient advance notice.
