Panaji Reservoirs Reach Capacity Early As Monsoon Accelerates Supply Flow
Goa’s major reservoirs have reached full capacity well ahead of schedule this monsoon season, with only one dam—Anjunem in Sattari—yet to attain its peak level. By mid-July, reservoirs such as Selaulim, Gaunem, Panchawadi, Chapoli, and Tillari were either spilling over or had reached storage thresholds, driven by early and intense monsoon rains. The accelerated inflow, particularly to Selaulim—the lifeline for South Goa—marks the earliest overflow in 25 years, prompting both celebration and scrutiny over water management readiness.
The rapid recharge of reservoirs has brought much-needed relief following last year’s water scarcity, particularly in North Goa, where critical shortages had emerged due to damaged infrastructure and supply disruptions. In 2024, the sudden halting of Tillari’s water supply due to a canal breach in Maharashtra left many Bardez and Pernem residents facing a crisis. Emergency support had to be mobilised when Amthane reservoir failed to respond due to jammed gates. This year, however, with Tillari reaching full capacity by early July, authorities have managed to divert water to meet the demands of multiple talukas while repairs at Amthane are underway. Officials say the monsoon’s timely onset and steady rainfall have played a significant role in this turnaround. The Selaulim dam began overflowing by June 25, a full 12 days earlier than the previous record. The Panchawadi reservoir, vital for areas like Shiroda, was also filled by early July, while Chapoli and Gaunem in Canacona reached 100% levels before mid-June.
The Tillari reservoir, located in neighbouring Maharashtra but crucial to Goa’s northern regions, saw its gates opened early in July to ease water pressure, helping avoid flooding risks and ensuring continuous downstream flow. Meanwhile, Anjunem remains the only major dam yet to reach full capacity, with water levels currently at 85.3 metres—below the 93.2-metre mark considered full. However, officials are optimistic as it crossed 90 metres by mid-July last year, and this season’s rainfall trends suggest it may follow suit soon. Importantly, Amthane—currently under repair—has been deliberately drained, with Tillari serving as the alternative supply. The repair works were necessitated after last year’s gate failure, which prompted emergency intervention from navy divers. The current overhaul, expected to take 12 days, is viewed as critical to preventing future supply bottlenecks.
The early reservoir fill-up provides a timely opportunity to plan for sustainable water use in both urban and rural regions of the state. With most storage systems now replenished, the focus must shift towards maintenance, equitable distribution, and improved contingency planning. Officials and environmentalists alike emphasise that surplus water today should not lead to complacency tomorrow. Strengthening water resilience in a climate-uncertain future will depend on robust infrastructure, transparent management, and prioritisation of ecological and public needs over seasonal gains.