Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: North Goa is set to receive a substantial addition to its water-handling capacity, with pumping stations coming up at Amthane and Sal expected to collectively contribute 400 million litres per day (MLD) to the supply system.
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar recently reviewed the progress of both projects during an inspection of the works at Amthane in Bicholim and Sal. He also assessed the construction of the Sal check dam, which forms part of the wider water infrastructure development.
The Amthane pumping station, with a capacity of 150 MLD, is being developed to pump water towards the Assonora water treatment plant. Officials have been asked to make the facility operational by October 1.
At Sal, a larger pumping facility with a capacity of 250 MLD is under development. The project is being executed in conjunction with the Sal check dam, which is now approaching completion and is designed to hold around five million cubic metres of water.
The new infrastructure comes against the backdrop of increasing water requirements in North Goa. Rapid development in areas such as Porvorim and Pilerne has increased the demand on the existing supply network, particularly during periods of peak consumption.
The additional pumping capacity and water storage are expected to provide greater flexibility to the system and help maintain supplies during the summer, when demand increases and water availability becomes more challenging.
During his visit, Shirodkar instructed the concerned officials to adhere to the project timelines and complete pending works at the earliest.
The minister said the combined projects would play an important role in strengthening North Goa’s water infrastructure and preparing the region to meet its future potable water requirements.
