The Anjunem dam, a major water storage project constructed on the Valvanti rivulet in Sattari, is getting a facelift. The Water Resources Department has begun painting the entire dam, and the work is expected to be completed in a few days. Minor repairs will also be carried out after April 15, if a report by the technical committee calls for it.
The foundation for this dam was laid by former President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in the presence of former Chief Minister Dayanand Bandodkar and present Opposition leader Pratapsing Rane in 1972. The project was completed in 1982 after four villages were rehabilitated to Morlem colony.
The Anjunem dam provided drinking water from Podocem to Bicholim and surrounding areas, including Keri. Vast areas of land are also irrigated through this dam by a canal system.
Locals have stated that this project is becoming a tourist destination for the people travelling between Goa and Belgaum via Keri, and that it will look even more attractive once it is painted.
According to sources, major repairs on the dam were taken up in 2007. They informed that a technical resource committee would inspect the site before April 15 and later take up repair work, if required, besides making suggestions. They added that the water-level will also be reduced if the repairs of the basement are taken up.
At present, the water level is 81 mts, which is less than last year’s amount of 82.50 mts. However, the stored amount is satisfactory, but care should still be taken while using water for irrigation. The water is distributed to Keri, Poriem, Morlem and villages in Bicholim. The reservoir area is also very important for the survival of wild animals, such as tigers, wild boar and bison, residing in the surrounding forests.
“The dam was constructed with the strong backing of the present opposition leader and Poriem MLA Pratapsing Rane, who had played a key role in eradicating the drinking water problem and starting a green revolution in the surrounding areas. The environmental cycle is also maintained with this project as far as environment preservation is concerned,” said environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar.
“It was really a dream project for the people of Querim, Poriem and surrounding areas. People have really taken advantage of this project for growing crops in this area,” said Chandrakant Gawas, Querim sarpanch.
