NT Reporter
Sankhali
The government aims to ensure an uninterrupted and adequate water supply to Goa’s villages through multiple dam projects, with studies underway to expand their number in the coming years, said Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar. He also said that the department is implementing several schemes to bring the state’s wasteland fully under irrigation.
He was speaking after inaugurating the newly-renovated gate at the Amthane dam in Bicholim constituency, alongside MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye.
The 35-year-old gate system has been replaced with a modern one, and an additional gate has been constructed. A new pumping station and a well-equipped guest house were also inaugurated.
“We are keeping a eye on water management in the state and are making many improvements using modern methods. We are also focusing on providing abundant water supply while bringing fallow land under cultivation. If a self-sufficient Goa is to be realised, everyone should work towards bringing fallow land under cultivation. The government is ready to provide all help,” said Shirodkar.
He said the Water Resources Department has drawn up long-term plans for the next fifty years to enhance water infrastructure. “Our focus is on increasing the number of dams and using modern technology to plan for abundant water supply. We are ensuring that village land is brought under irrigation instead of lying fallow. The government has achieved its plan of providing a large amount of water for agriculture along with drinking water,” he said.
MLA Dr Shetye said that once the Sal barrage work is completed, sufficient water will be available for villages across North Goa. “With the 20 MLD pumping station and new water purification project, the water problem here will be solved. Work on new tanks is progressing rapidly, and there are also plans to provide five MLD of water to the Latambarsem industrial estate,” said Dr Shetye.
Chief engineer Dnyaneshwar Salelkar said with the new gate installed at Amthane dam, arrangements have been made to release about 110 MLD of water.
