PANJIM: Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Monday said that there is no shortage of raw water in the State.
Speaking to reporters at Porvorim, Shirodkar said, “There is sufficient water in the dams to last till June. Recent pre-monsoon rain helped us to recharge water. Even water in bandharas is still not fully used.”
Shirodkar said, “We have not opened the upstream bhandaras. It implies that there is no problem in supply of raw water. When it rains in the month of April or May, it helps us. But as per our study, the dams have enough water to last till June. We have this much storage. Problem may be if the monsoon makes much delayed revival. Otherwise, the water is sufficient to last at least till June 15.”
He said that the government is planning to construct at least 100 new Bandharas in the State by 2025. “Work is underway at many places. Plan is to construct additional bhandaras across the State. Already the State has around 374 bhandaras and the new bhandaras will be an additional ones,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to the Dam Water Monitoring System of WRD, Selaulim has 28 per cent of water, Tillari 32 per cent, Anjunem 16 per cent, Chapoli 46 per cent, Amthane 34 per cent, Panchawadi 18 per cent and Gaunem 46 per cent.
No reply from Mhadei PRAWAH for site inspection in K’taka: Minister
PANJIM: Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar said that the State government has not received any reply from Mhadei Progressive River Authority for Water and Harmony (PRAWAH) after submitting availability of dates for site inspection.
According to Shirodkar, Goa had submitted its dates availability to Mhadei PRAWAH for site inspection, but it is the PRAWAH, which has to take a decision and finalise the dates after consulting Karnataka and Maharashtra, the other two riparian States.
“We have given the proposal stating that we are ready for the inspection. We have also given dates of our availability. However, we have not received any reply yet. We will wait for a few more days and inquire with them. Karnataka has said that the matter is in the court and questioned the need for inspection. PRAWAH will have to take a decision on this,” Shirodkar said.
New dam proposed at Dharbandora, locals willing to give land for project: Minister
PONDA: In order to increase the water storage in the State and considering future water requirements, the government is planning to construct new dams. In one such effort the State government is proposing to construct a new dam at Kajumal-Tatodi, in Dharbandora. In this connection, WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar held a meeting with residents and landowners of the village, many are willing to provide land for the project.
Last year, the WRD Minister had said that his department was planning to construct some dams along the Mhadei river basin and that the groundwork had started.
He said landowners affected by the dam would be rehabilitated and that retaining walls and small bunds would be constructed in the affected areas, among others.
Recently, Shirodkar held a meeting with Sanvordem MLA, Ganesh Gaonkar and WRD officials and assured to address the problems of affected landowners. Around 40 people with land holdings were present for the meeting.
