Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Alarmed by the steady decline in water reserves across Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed the Water Resources Department (WRD) to make water conservation and groundwater recharge measures mandatory for borewell owners, saying proactive steps are necessary to safeguard the State’s water security.
The directive comes as several reservoirs continue to report low storage levels ahead of the peak monsoon period, raising concerns about drinking water availability in the months ahead.
Sawant said the State cannot afford to ignore the warning signs, particularly amid indications that rainfall this season may not meet expectations.
“With uncertainty over rainfall, it is important that we focus on conserving every possible source of water,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that groundwater replenishment and rainwater harvesting should become a priority.
Under the proposed guidelines, borewell owners will be required to adopt measures that help recharge underground aquifers and improve water retention. The government believes such interventions will reduce pressure on reservoirs and strengthen water availability during dry periods.
The Chief Minister noted that efforts to improve water storage capacity must begin immediately, cautioning that delaying conservation initiatives could leave the State more vulnerable to shortages in the future.
The concern follows a sharp fall in water reserves at several dams and reservoirs across Goa. Anjunem reservoir, a key source of drinking water for parts of North Goa, has recorded particularly low storage levels, prompting fears over both supply and water quality.
Other major water sources are also under strain. Storage at the Selaulim dam remains below one-third of capacity, while Tillari and Panchwadi reservoirs are also operating with limited reserves. Smaller reservoirs such as Chapoli and Gaunem have fared slightly better, though their water levels remain far from ideal. Amthane is currently the only reservoir with storage above the halfway mark.
The situation has been compounded by subdued rainfall activity in recent weeks. Weather experts have cautioned that changing climatic patterns could impact monsoon performance in some regions, making conservation measures even more critical.
Officials are expected to roll out detailed guidelines soon, focusing on groundwater recharge structures, rainwater harvesting systems and other sustainable water-management practices aimed at improving long-term resilience against water scarcity.
Government authorities hope the initiative will encourage responsible use of water resources while helping replenish depleted groundwater reserves before the next dry season.
