Minister says reserves are sufficient for weeks as state awaits delayed monsoon rains
The Goa government has assured residents that drinking water supplies remain secure despite a sharp decline in water levels across several key reservoirs and the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon.
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar said there was no need for public concern, stressing that the state has adequate reserves to meet current demand. Speaking to reporters, he urged the media to avoid creating unnecessary alarm and said the Water Resources Department (WRD) was fully prepared to manage the situation.
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According to the minister, the Panchawadi and Anjunem reservoirs hold enough water to meet the state’s requirements for around one month, while the Selaulim Dam has reserves sufficient for nearly two months
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He added that the WRD is equipped to ensure an uninterrupted water supply even if rainfall remains absent over the coming weeks
The reassurance comes as reservoir levels have dropped significantly following an extended spell of dry weather and unusually high temperatures.
Among the most affected is the Anjunem Dam in North Goa, where storage has fallen to just 14 per cent of capacity. The Panchawadi reservoir is currently at 23 per cent, while Selaulim, Goa’s largest reservoir, stands at 29 per cent of its live storage capacity.
The Tillari reservoir, which supplements water supply to parts of North Goa, is reported to be at 32 per cent capacity. Other reservoirs are in a comparatively stronger position. Chapoli in Canacona has storage levels of 40 per cent, while Gaunem stands at 44 per cent.
The Amthane Dam, a key source of water for Bardez, Pernem and parts of Bicholim, remains the healthiest of Goa’s major reservoirs, with storage at 54 per cent capacity.
Officials continue to monitor water levels closely as the state awaits the arrival of monsoon rains, which are expected to replenish reservoir stocks and ease pressure on water resources.
