Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 15: Goa is witnessing a growing water concern as weak monsoon activity since its onset has pushed the state's rainfall deficit to 45 per cent, resulting in declining water levels across major reservoirs.

Officials said reservoir levels, which usually begin recovering by mid-June, have remained low due to the delayed and sluggish monsoon. The situation has prompted authorities to closely monitor water availability, with a review meeting expected later this week.

The Selaulim reservoir, the primary water source for most parts of South Goa, is currently at just 28 per cent of its storage capacity. While officials maintain that the available water is sufficient to meet requirements until late June, concerns are mounting if rainfall does not improve soon.

In a normal monsoon year, Selaulim reaches full capacity by the first week of July, with water overflowing from its duckbill spillway. However, the present situation resembles 2023, when a delayed monsoon led to critically low reservoir levels.

The Anjunem reservoir in Sattari taluka, a region known for receiving some of the state's highest rainfall, is currently holding only 11 per cent of its capacity. Earlier this month, residents had complained of foul-smelling drinking water supplied from the reservoir area.

The Amthane reservoir is presently at 52 per cent capacity, though officials clarified that the level has been sustained through pumping water from a nearby river rather than rainfall. The reservoir serves nearly the entire Bardez taluka and parts of Bicholim.

The Tillari reservoir in neighbouring Maharashtra's Dodamarg, which supplements water supply to Bardez, is currently at 31 per cent capacity.

Similarly, the Panchwadi reservoir, which supplies water to Shiroda and surrounding areas, has recorded only 20 per cent storage.

Water levels in Goa's reservoirs are typically at their lowest between mid-May and June, just before the monsoon intensifies. During this period, the Water Resources Department closely regulates the release of raw water, often restricting irrigation supply when necessary.

In contrast, reservoirs in Canacona have reported relatively healthier storage levels, with Chapoli at 41 per cent and Gaunem at 44 per cent capacity.

With forecasts indicating a delayed monsoon revival, farmers and residents across the state are anxiously awaiting widespread rainfall to replenish reservoirs and ease growing water concerns.