Water in reservoirs to last up to 120 days, says WRD min

Panaji: Although the water storage in three dams in the state has reached below 30% of its capacity, water resources minister Subhash Shirodkar on Tuesday said that there is water to last 120 days in the Selaulim and Tillari reservoirs, while there is 90 days of water storage left in the Mhaisal dam.

“In Selaulim, Tillari and Mhaisal dams, there is sufficient storage of water. There is no need to worry. If you see the way the weather is heating up, it is an indication that the monsoon will arrive soon. Monsoon is expected to arrive by June 2 or 3,” said Shirodkar on Tuesday.

The Selaulim reservoir, which meets the drinking water requirement of most of South Goa, is presently 39% full.

Tillari, though 27% full, is large and acts as a backup to the supplementary storage of the Amthane reservoir in Bicholim. The Amthane reservoir is at present 47.7% full. Both these reservoirs meet the drinking water requirements of Bardez, Bicholim and Pernem talukas.

Anjunem in Sattari taluka is currently 24% full.

Mhaisal reservoir in Panchawadi recorded levels of 26.7% of its storage capacity. The dam meets the water requirements in Shiroda and the surrounding areas.

Canacona’s requirement is met by Chapoli reservoir, whose levels have been recorded at 49%. Gaunem supplements the supply for Canacona and is currently 58% full.

Of the water stored in Goa’s reservoirs, 52% is utilised for irrigation and 34% for drinking water needs. Another 10% of storage is set aside to cover up any distribution losses and in case there is a delay in the arrival of the monsoons.

The water stored in the six major and minor reservoirs in the state during the monsoon months from June to Sep suffices till May.