NT Reporter
Sankhali
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has warned riverside village panchayats and residents of a possible release of excess water from the Anjunem Dam in the coming days as reservoir levels continue to rise following heavy rainfall.
Although this year’s monsoon arrived later than expected, the heavy rainfall received over the past few days has significantly increased water storage in the major dams of Bicholim taluka. Amthane Dam is now nearing its full storage capacity, while the water level at Anjunem Dam has reached 87.55m.
WRD officials said the full reservoir level (FRL) of Anjunem Dam is 93.20 metres.
A regulated discharge
of water will commence once the reservoir level reaches 90 metres,” said WRD officials.
Meanwhile, Amthane Dam has recorded a water level of approximately 49m against its total storage capacity of 50m. Once the reservoir reaches full capacity, surplus water will naturally flow through the dam’s weir.
As water discharge from the dams is likely to raise river levels downstream, the WRD has advised the panchayats and the public to remain alert. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary movement in and around riverbanks, refrain from crossing river channels, keep children away from rivers and exercise extreme caution while taking cattle into the water. Residents living in low-lying areas along the river have also been requested to strictly follow instructions issued by the administration.
The department said that the Anjunem Dam catchment area has received 2,345 mm of rainfall, while the Amthane Dam catchment has recorded 1,145 mm so far this monsoon. The substantial inflow has considerably improved water storage in both reservoirs, ensuring adequate availability for drinking water supply, irrigation and other water requirements across the region.
The WRD appealed to the public not to believe rumours and to rely only on official information and advisories issued by the department and the district administration from time to time.
