Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI::The state government will raise the height of the Maisal dam in Shiroda by up to one metre to expand its water storage capacity, Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar announced.
According to the minister, the dam which has been overflowing due to recent rainfall can store an additional 5 million litres per day (MLD) if elevated.
“We’re also planning to set up an additional water treatment facility with a new filter bed to manage the increased supply,” Shirodkar said.
He explained that the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to resolve Goa’s drinking water challenges by 2026–27 under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The state is currently working to upgrade treatment plant capacity across various regions.
At present, 10 MLD of treated water from the Maisal dam is supplied to Panchawadi, Shiroda, and parts of Borim panchayat, with further support coming from the Selaulim dam.
Shirodkar also noted that the delayed onset of the monsoon arriving only on June 24 this year had worsened water scarcity in many parts of the state.
“By increasing the dam’s height, we can ensure better water availability through August and September,” he added.
He pointed out that Goa typically benefits from plentiful rainfall, and said that major reservoirs including Selaulim, Tillari (in Maharashtra), and Maisal are currently full, with the exception of Anjuna.
He also mentioned that the government is considering using dam water for irrigation to further support local needs.
