Panaji: This year, the Selaulim reservoir is expected to reach full capacity and spill over later than at any time in the past 12 years. A 35% rainfall deficit across the state has slowed the rise in dam water levels compared to previous years.The Selaulim dam at Uguem in Sanguem, which is the main source of water supply for most of South Goa, normally attains full water levels by early to mid-July.On July 27, water levels at Selaulim reservoir were still at 93% this year, and drinking water minister Subhash Phaldessai said on Monday that the dam is expected to reach capacity within a week. The last time, water levels in the Selaulim dam attained full level post July 25 was in 2013, reaching capacity on Aug 6.After that, the latest date in the season when the dam saw spillover was on July 25 in 2017.Ironically, last year, the reservoir had witnessed spillover early by 12 days on June 25 for the first time in 25 years.Locals eagerly await the Selaulim reservoir to reach capacity, with the complex receiving a large number of visitors to watch the excess water fall down the crest from the dam’s unique duckbill spillway.This flow of visitors to the dam and its botanical gardens continues till the overflow lasts, which extends much past the official withdrawal of the monsoon from Goa. Last year, the spillover lasted well into Nov.The duckbill spillway is designed to pass a maximum flood discharge of 1,450 cubic metres of water per second. The excess water flows into the Selaulim river and is used for irrigation.Last year, most reservoirs in the state had seen full levels by the first week of July. This year, water levels at Amthane reservoir in Bicholim, which caters mainly to Bardez taluka, stand at 77%.Water levels in Chapoli reservoir are still at 61%, while Gaunem, the other dam in Canacona, is 92% full.Anjunem reservoir in Sattari is only 51% full at present.Similarly, water levels in the Panchwadi dam, which caters to Shiroda and surrounding areas, are at 78%.The Tillari reservoir in Dodamarg, Maharashtra, which supplements supply to Bardez, Bicholim and Pernem talukas, is 82% full. The dam’s water is released once it is over 90% full, which flows into the Tillari, entering Goa as the Chapora.
