PONDA: Water levels at Mhaisal dam at Panchwadi has dipped due to the scorching summer heat and lack of sufficient pre-monsoon showers have forced the authorities to divert water from Opa water treatment plant to villages of Panchawadi and Shiroda to supply water to people.
This dam is solely dependent on rain water and so officials are waiting for heavy monsoon rain showers to rejuvenate the dam and supply water. Until then water from Opa water treatment plant will be diverted to supply water to Panchawadi and Shiroda.
The 10 MLD water treatment plant based on Mhaisal Dam at Panchawadi in Ponda taluka which treats 10 MLD drinking water requirement for Shiroda and Panchawadi Village Panchayats almost ran dry with just 2 per cent water left in the dam. Due to this eventuality, from Friday onwards WRD has arranged to supply potable water from the Opa treatment plant to people of Shiroda and Panchawadi who are dependent on the Mhaisal dam water.
Officials of PWD said they have replaced a valve at Borim to transfer water from Opa to Panchawadi and this arrangement will continue until the Mhaisal dam gets sufficient quantum of water from the ensuing monsoon rain.
**Local MLA and WRD Minister Subash Shirodkar said last year there were pre-monsoon showers in March and April. But this year upto May there is no heavy rain. This has hit Mhaisal dam and other dams in Goa. Mhaisal dam which is fully dependent upon rain water has been fully hit and ran almost dry with water level reaching abysmally low level. At present this would be only supplied to Panchawadi village.
He said Shiroda would be supplied water from Opa Treatment Plant as well as from Selaulim dam. In case of rain shower than Panchawadi dam would again rejuvenate. If need arise than Opa water would be also diverted to Panchawadi.