Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The Chapoli Dam, popularly known as the lifeline of Canconcars, is facing a serious decline in its water storage level, raising concerns over the continuity of water supply to residents of Canacona.
The water storage in the Chapoli Dam reservoir has reportedly fallen below 0.40 MCM, which is significantly below its dead storage level of 0.49 MCM (49 Hamts). The situation has worsened as Goa has received comparatively lower monsoon rainfall, estimated at less than 65 per cent of normal levels.
Large stretches of the Chapoli Dam reservoir have dried up and exposed the water bed. The dam normally has a storage capacity of 1122 mm when it reaches 38.75 RL, with a gross storage capacity of 9.98 MCM (998.24 Hamts).
According to Water Resources Department (WRD) sources, the present storage of around 400 mm is sufficient to maintain regular water supply for only about 15 days. If the dry spell continues, supply may be extended for another month by strictly enforcing restrictions.
At present, dam water is not being released for irrigation purposes and is only being sourced for treatment at the Water Treatment Plant at Shristhal before being supplied to domestic and commercial consumers in Canacona.
Residents have demanded urgent desiltation of the vast reservoir to increase its storage capacity and prevent similar crises in future, especially during delayed monsoons.
“The dam currently has a maximum height of 25.5 metres and stretches 760 metres across. Its live storage capacity is around 8.76 MCM (876.58 Hamts). Desiltation of the reservoir by at least three metres can significantly increase storage capacity,” said Shubham Komarpant, a social worker and youth leader from Canacona.
Komarpant further claimed that residents are already receiving regulated water supply and warned that further restrictions would mainly affect the common people.
He alleged that a star hotel in the taluka receives water through a dedicated pipeline from the STP Shristhal, ensuring uninterrupted supply, while ordinary residents may face shortages if restrictions are increased.
“The common man will suffer if further restrictions are imposed, while star hotels will continue to receive supply through dedicated pipelines operated by PWD (Drinking Water),” he said.
Komarpant also raised concerns over the non-commissioning of the Gaunem Dam, which was completed nearly a decade ago but is yet to contribute towards water supply needs.
