Goa says drinking water stocks can last a month despite monsoon lull
Goa has enough drinking water stock to meet demand for about a month, the state government said on Thursday, even as the coastal state is
Goa has enough drinking water stock to meet demand for about a month, the state government said on Thursday, even as the coastal state is going through a lull in monsoon rainfall. State Water Supply Department Minister Subhash Phal Desai said water levels in several reservoirs have fallen sharply because of the lack of rain. He said there was no immediate shortage, but warned that the situation could become difficult if the dry spell continues. The government plans to issue strict advisories to make sure the available water is not exhausted, while the India Meteorological Department has forecast that rainfall activity will resume in the state by next weekend.
Read Full Story Speaking to PTI, Phal Desai said, "But there is no need to panic. There is enough water to fulfil the requirement for a month." He said he has been receiving calls from various sections, including industries, asking about the condition of water supply in the state. The minister said his department will hold a meeting with Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar to "evaluate the data of water available in various dams across the state". He also said the state government has improved the water distribution system to ensure there is no shortage. At the same time, he cautioned, "There is no scarcity right now, but that does not mean it won't happen in the future." According to Phal Desai, the Selaulim dam, which supplies water to the whole of South Goa, Kushavati district and parts of North Goa, is 27 per cent full and has a drawing capacity of 280 MLD.
He said the stock at the Anjunem dam in North Goa's Sattari taluka has fallen to 9.9 per cent. The project, located on the Goa-Karnataka border, has a drawing capacity of 50 MLD, and the water is treated at plants in Padoshe and Dattawadi. He said the water level at the Mhaisal dam in Shiroda, near Ponda in North Goa, stands at 19 per cent. The dam has a drawing capacity of 10 to 14 MLD. Phal Desai said the Chapoli dam in Canacona has ample water and added that there would be no water shortage in the taluka. He also said the Amthane reservoir, which supplies water to Bardez taluka in North Goa, has a good stock.
With reservoir levels under pressure because of the break in monsoon rain, the Goa government said it has enough drinking water for about a month and will review dam data while keeping a close watch on supply until rainfall picks up again. Ends
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