Team Goemkarponn
PANAJIl The Goa government has decided against taking the left bank canal of the Tillari irrigation project out of service this year, revising its earlier plan to suspend water flow through both canals for extensive maintenance. The next decision on shutting the canal will be taken in March 2027.
Water flow through the right bank canal was discontinued on October 20 to facilitate repair work. The left bank canal was expected to follow suit 15 days later, but the state has since informed Maharashtra authorities that its closure will be postponed.
The initial proposal, announced by Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar earlier this year, envisaged stopping supplies through both canals from October 1 for around three months. The minister had cited the ageing condition of the infrastructure, which has reportedly suffered significant deterioration over the past three decades, especially in the Maharashtra section.
The shutdown schedule was later altered, with the authorities opting to undertake work on the right bank canal first. One of the factors behind the change was the delay in completing the pumping station at Sal. The facility is being developed as an alternative arrangement to maintain water supply to Bardez, Bicholim and Pernem while canal repairs are underway. Technical difficulties had prevented it from becoming operational by the original October 1 deadline.
The repair contract for the right bank canal had remained pending since January 2026. With the canal now closed for maintenance, water flow through it is expected to be restored in January 2027.
The continued operation of the left bank canal will allow the state to avoid shutting down both supply channels simultaneously while the alternative pumping infrastructure remains a concern.
