Special Correspondent
Panaji: Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Monday said that in view of concerns over water levels in the Anjunem Dam, water will be drawn from the Pissurlem mining pits to the Padoshe water treatment plant. He said that the state has sufficient water for the next month.
Shirodkar said that, if required, the department will begin work by June 17 or 18 to facilitate pumping water from the Pissurlem mining pits to the Padoshe plant.
“The state will further draw 40 MLD to 50 MLD of water from the Pissurlem mining pits to the Padoshe water treatment plant, while the Tillari canal remains a backup option if monsoon in Goa does not improve within 15 days,” he said.
Official records show dam water levels across Goa as of June 15 morning were: Anjunem dam 10 percent; Salaulim dam 28 percent; Tillari dam 30 percent; Chapoli dam 40 percent; Amthane dam 52 percent; Panchawadi dam 19 percent; and Gaunem dam 44 percent.
Speaking to media persons after his department’s weekly review meeting, during which water management amid delayed monsoon conditions was discussed, Shirodkar said that water from the Anjunem dam for irrigation purposes has been stopped for now and that the available water is sufficient for the next 15 to 20
days. It was also informed that around 80 MLD of water is supplied through the Padoshe water treatment plant and, if necessary, water from the Tillari project can also be diverted to the plant.
The minister further said that water storage in the Salaulim dam is sufficient for another one to one-and-a-half months. He also said that work on preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for proposed mini dams at Kajumol and Charavane is underway and that these projects will help address water scarcity issues in the future.
Goa has water for at least a month, says Phal Dessai
Panaji: Minister for Drinking Water Subhash Phal Dessai on Monday said there is no immediate concern over water availability, as the Salaulim and Amthane dams, on average, still hold over 20 per cent storage, enough for at least a month.
Phal Dessai, however, warned that incidents of treated water being misused for washing vehicles and watering plants should stop immediately.
“We charge Rs 4.5 per 1,000 litres of potable water,” he said, adding that the government will soon issue guidelines to curb wastage of water.
Calling for better water planning, the minister said water scarcity should not occur in the future.
“We must plan and prepare better to conserve water and prevent such situations in the coming years,” he said, adding, “Recurring water shortages must be prevented despite current dam levels being sufficient for the short term.”
Phal Dessai also backed political ST reservation, stating that he welcomes ST reservation for the Sanguem constituency, provided everything is done through the proper legal process.
