Panaji: Water levels in most of Goa’s major reservoirs are lower than they were around this time last year, raising concerns over water availability during the coming summer, particularly after the state recorded a 32% rainfall deficit during the monsoon and a further 60% deficit in the post-monsoon period.The water resources department (WRD) depends on post-monsoon showers to keep the soil moist and reduce the need to release stored water for irrigation.The Selaulim reservoir, which is crucial for water supply to most of South Goa, is currently 99% full. Around Nov 2 last year, it was still overflowing and stood at 101% of its capacity. This year, however, the overflow stopped more than 40 days earlier.Similarly, the Anjunem dam in Sattari is 98% full, compared to 99% around the same time last year.The Panchwadi reservoir, also known as the Mhaisal dam, is 86% full against 100% last year. In Canacona, the Chapoli reservoir is at 71% and Gaunem at 90%, compared to both being filled to capacity around this time last year.The Amthane reservoir is the only major reservoir with higher water levels than last year. However, this is because water is being pumped into it from the new barrage at Sal in Bicholim.The WRD is maintaining higher storage at Amthane as water supply from the Tillari reservoir has been temporarily stopped to facilitate repairs to canals on the Maharashtra side. Tillari was earlier used to supply Bardez, Bicholim and Pernem talukas, which are currently being supplied from Amthane.The Tillari reservoir is presently 84% full, compared to being filled to capacity around this time last year. Water supply to Goa is expected to resume through the canals in the first week of Jan, after which the three talukas will again be able to draw water from the reservoir ahead of summer.WRD chief engineer Dnyaneshwar Salelkar, however, said there was sufficient water in the state’s dams for now and there was no need to panic.WRD minister Subhash Shirodkar said all bandharas had been closed earlier than usual this year as a precautionary measure to conserve water in view of the rainfall deficit.The stored water will have to last the state until the next monsoon arrives in June 2027.GFXReservoir – % full on Nov 2, 2026 – % full on Nov 2, 2025Selaulim – 99% – 101%Anjunem – 98% – 99%Panchwadi – 86% – 100%Tillari – 84% – 100%Chapoli – 71% – 100%Gaunem – 90% – 100%Amthane – 100% – 71%
