Rain lifts reservoir levels, but Goa plans early moves to secure supply

Panaji: With the onset of the monsoon, reservoir levels across Goa have either improved slightly or held steady till Thursday, according to water resources department (WRD) data.WRD minister Subhash Shirodkar said the department will monitor rainfall closely and may close bandhara gates in Aug — rather than the usual Nov — if the monsoon remains weak, to store more water. He said that even without rain, the state had enough water for 15 days, and with the rains now arriving, there is no shortage. “Now we are comfortable when it comes to water as it has started collecting in reservoirs,” Shirodkar said.He said Goa typically receives heavy rain in June, July, and Aug, and dams usually fill by Sep and Oct. He warned that if bandharas are not closed early during a deficient monsoon, the state could face a water shortage next year.Govt has also sought a detailed report on the proposed Sancoale dam and the Davorlim lake after concerns over alleged land conversion. WRD and DWD officials will jointly inspect the sites.As part of a long-term water conservation strategy, WRD is exploring a dam at Kajumol in Mollem and another storage project at Shiroda. The department is also working on six bandharas on the Opa and Ganjem rivers to boost rainwater storage.By next year, water treatment capacity is expected to rise by nearly 50% with new plants adding a combined 325 LD, taking total capacity to around 1,000 MLD — above the current drinking water requirement of 700 MLD.