Panaji: The Goa Government has launched a new water management initiative aimed at conserving water in the Selaulim Reservoir by supplying water directly from the Kushawati River. The project, which became operational on Friday evening, is expected to save nearly 70 million litres of reservoir water every day while improving the efficiency of the state’s drinking water supply system.
The initiative is part of Goa’s broader strategy to strengthen water conservation and ensure reliable water availability, particularly as the state experiences below-normal monsoon rainfall.
According to Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar, the state had been releasing approximately 70 million litres per day (MLD) from the Selaulim Dam to supply Davorlim, nearby villages, and the Verna Industrial Estate.
However, officials observed that a significant amount of water was being lost before reaching consumers due to:
- Seepage
- Transmission losses
- Distribution inefficiencies
To address these issues, the government has introduced a direct pumping system using water from the Kushawati River.
Under the new arrangement:
- Around 40 MLD of water will be pumped directly from the Kushawati River.
- The water will be supplied to Davorlim and neighbouring areas that previously depended on releases from the Selaulim Reservoir.
- The initiative will reduce dependence on reservoir water while improving distribution efficiency.
Officials believe the project will significantly reduce wastage associated with long-distance water transmission.
As part of the project, a 10 MLD water treatment plant at Ceulim will process a portion of the pumped river water before it is supplied for drinking purposes.
The treatment facility is expected to:
- Improve water quality.
- Ensure safe drinking water.
- Support uninterrupted domestic water supply.
- Strengthen public water infrastructure.
With the Kushawati pumping system now operational, the government plans to reduce routine releases from the Selaulim Reservoir, allowing it to retain more water for future use.
According to Minister Shirodkar:
- The Selaulim Reservoir is currently at approximately 70% storage capacity.
- Additional inflows are expected if forecast rainfall materialises in the coming weeks.
- Conserving reservoir water will help improve long-term water security.
The strategy is particularly important as rainfall this monsoon has remained below seasonal expectations. The Goa Government described the initiative as part of its commitment to scientific and sustainable water resource management.
The broader objectives include:
- Reducing unnecessary reservoir releases.
- Maximising the use of alternative water sources.
- Improving efficiency in water distribution.
- Securing drinking water supplies.
- Supporting industrial and domestic water demand throughout the year.
Officials believe the new system will help the state manage water resources more effectively during periods of uncertain rainfall.
