Panaji: The monsoon has entered its last leg, but several reservoirs in the state are yet to reach full capacity even by mid-Sept, with the state receiving around 30% deficit rainfall this year, higher than the national average.Chapoli reservoir in Canacona is currently around 75% full, while Tillari reservoir in Dodamarg, which supplies water to Bardez, Bicholim and Pernem, is at 93%. In a normal monsoon, Tillari reaches this level by Aug, with its gates usually opened to release excess water. This year, however, the gates have not been opened.Normally, Goa’s reservoirs are overflowing by late July or, at the latest, mid-Aug. The delayed filling this year is an unusual situation. Selaulim reservoir, which supplies most of South Goa, reached capacity last month, but its spillover was the most delayed in more than a decade.Anjunem reservoir is at 97%, but its gates have also not been opened to release excess water. Panchwadi reservoir in Shiroda reached 99% only this week, while Gaunem is among the few reservoirs to have reached full capacity.Amthane reservoir is at 96%, with water being pumped from the Chapora river. The dam generally does not see spillover as it supplies water to the heavily populated Bardez taluka, besides Bicholim and Pernem.Water resources minister Subhash Shirodkar said he had instructed officials to close all 400-500 bandharas or check dams on rivers during Ganesh Chaturthi to conserve raw water.Shirodkar also urged citizens to use water judiciously.The lower reservoir levels could pose a challenge next summer, as deficit rainfall has reduced raw water storage. Last year, reservoirs remained full until Nov due to good post-monsoon showers. Adequate monsoon and post-monsoon rainfall keeps the soil moist, allowing the water resources department to delay irrigation releases and conserve stored water. With the monsoon expected to retreat earlier this year, irrigation water may have to be released sooner.
