Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 27: Despite an erratic monsoon and a rainfall deficit of nearly 34 per cent this season, heavy rainfall in catchment areas has substantially improved water storage in Goa's major reservoirs, easing concerns over drinking water availability in the coming months.

The State's largest reservoir, the Selaulim dam, which supplies drinking water to a major part of South Goa, has reached 91 per cent of its storage capacity. The Gaunem dam has also touched 91 per cent capacity, and both reservoirs are expected to overflow if heavy rainfall continues in their catchment areas.

The Tillari dam in neighbouring Maharashtra, a key source of raw water for North Goa, has reached 82 per cent of its storage capacity. Authorities in Maharashtra have already begun controlled releases from the reservoir following the rise in water levels.

The Anjunem dam in Sattari, which had nearly dried up during the peak summer months, has recovered significantly and is now at 49 per cent of its storage capacity.

Among the other reservoirs, Amthane has reached 75 per cent capacity, Panchwadi 76 per cent and Chapoli 60 per cent.

Officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) said the improved storage has eased concerns that arose earlier due to the delayed and uneven progress of the southwest monsoon.

A senior WRD engineer said that although rainfall has been inconsistent across the State, heavy showers in the catchment areas have steadily increased reservoir levels. With the entire month of August still ahead, officials expect most dams to either reach full capacity or maintain sufficient reserves to meet Goa's water requirements.

The improved water levels have come as a major relief for the Water Resources Department and the Department of Drinking Water after fears of water scarcity emerged during the summer when reservoir levels had dropped sharply, particularly at the Anjunem dam.

Officials said the current storage position indicates that Goa is likely to have adequate water reserves for drinking, irrigation and other essential needs well into the next season, provided rainfall activity remains normal in the coming weeks.