Panaji: Water levels in most of the state’s reservoirs have dipped to below 50% of their capacity by mid-April, with more than 45 days of summer still to go. The Selaulim reservoir, the main source of water supply to meet the requirements of most of South Goa, recorded water levels at 48% of capacity on Monday.The water levels have dipped the lowest in the Anjunem reservoir in Sattari taluka.And this year, Goa has had only short spells of pre-monsoon rainfall as yet. Usually, by mid-April more intense pre-monsoon showers are experienced, especially in Sattari taluka, helping water bodies to rejuvenate.The Amthane reservoir, which supplies water for treatment plants providing drinking water supply to Bardez taluka, is at 42% of capacity at present. And the Tillari reservoir, which supplements the supply to Bardez and Pernem taluka for drinking and irrigation requirements, is 46% full as of Monday.During the summer, if water from the reservoirs falls short, the water stored in bandharas across rivers are tapped for raw water supply in the summer. Goa at present has 300-odd.Additionally, water is also pumped in from abandoned mining pits wherever required.On Monday, water levels in the Panchwadi reservoir, which meets the needs of Shiroda and surrounding areas, was 42% full.Only water levels in the two reservoirs in Canacona taluka in Chapoli and Gaunem both stand at 54% of capacity.Commissioning of the Sal barrage has also been delayed beyond the expected date. The project is expected to be operational now only by the end of May, with only around 80% of the work completed as yet. The barrage was to provide 250MLD more raw water to the state, which will largely be beneficial for Bardez taluka.
