Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jun 16: A delayed onset of the monsoon has led to a sharp decline in water storage levels at two key reservoirs in Goa, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation while assuring residents that contingency measures are in place.
According to the Water Resources Department (WRD), the water levels at the Anjunem and Mhaisal dams have fallen significantly. As of Monday, Anjunem reservoir was operating at 9.9 per cent of its capacity, while Mhaisal stood at 19.38 per cent.
Additional Chief Engineer Ankush Gaonkar said Anjunem has sufficient reserves to meet demand for around 30 days, while Mhaisal is expected to sustain water supply for nearly 50 days.
“Except for Anjunem dam in Sattari and Mhaisal dam in Panchawadi, water levels in all other reservoirs are adequate. We expect rainfall to begin within the next two weeks,” Gaonkar said.
The Anjunem Dam, which has a total storage capacity of 4,483 hectare metres (HaM), currently contains 446 HaM of water. Meanwhile, Mhaisal Dam, with a capacity of 436.8 HaM, presently holds 84.64 HaM.
Officials said Mhaisal’s water reserves are expected to last longer because only Panchawadi and parts of Shiroda depend on its supply network. The 10-million litres per day (MLD) treatment facility at Gauliwada-Panchawadi currently draws nearly 15 MLD of raw water for processing and distribution to nearby villages.
Regarding Anjunem, Gaonkar said the issue was reviewed in a meeting on Monday, during which officials were instructed to identify alternative water sources, including abandoned mining pits, if required.
Authorities have also prepared backup arrangements in case Mhaisal’s reserves are exhausted before the arrival of substantial rainfall.
“If Mhaisal runs out of water before the monsoon strengthens, supply will be diverted from Opa Water Works or the Selaulim Irrigation Project. Before Mhaisal became operational, water was sourced from Opa. People need not be concerned,” Gaonkar said.
The WRD added that water levels in the state’s other major reservoirs remain comfortable. Current storage levels stand at 27.64 per cent in Selaulim, 30.11 per cent in Tillari, 51.86 per cent in Amthane, 40.47 per cent in Chapoli and 44.11 per cent in Gaunem.