BICHOLIM: The water level of Anjunem dam on Valvanti River has gone down 3.19 metres compared to last year and is just enough for roughly 55 days.
If the monsoon does not begin by the end of May, then there are high chances, there will be water shortage in the region.
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As per sources, water released for farming through canals will be stopped from May 30, onwards.
The Anjunem reservoir is Goa’s second largest reserve of water after Selaulim.
The entire Bicholim Taluka is dependent on Anjunem dam and it caters to Bardez and Sattari talukas as well. Last year, around the same time, the water level was 80.35 metres, which is 17.08 million cubic metres while the current level of 77.19 metre means mere 11 million cubic metres. Some have claimed that the water for farming used to be released from December onwards which last year began from November itself hence there has been a drop in the level.
When contacted, Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Pramod Badami said, “The water is less as compared to last year and water was supplied for irrigation purpose a few days before usual. The current water stock is enough to last for around 55 to 60 days.”
Meanwhile, 450 MLD water from Tillari project is released for Goa out of which 150 MLD goes to Assonora water plant while rest is utilised for farming. However, the water supply from Tillari has not been at full capacity as the canals in Maharashtra have weakened. Farmers have appealed to the government to repair the canals soon and provide some relief to the farmers.
