Govt implements two-pronged strategy to address Tillari canal disruptions

MAPUSA

In order to address the recurring disruptions in water supply from the Tillari canal, the government has introduced a two-pronged strategy – constructing a new barrage across the Chapora River at Sal, Bicholim, which is expected to be complete within the next three months and undertaking repair work on the Tillari canal in Maharashtra.

Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar stated that in the event of issues with the Tillari canal, raw water from the Chapora River, stored in the new barrage, would be utilised.

“We are making every effort to complete the barrage by May this year. Once finished, the Chapora River water will be stored and supplied to water treatment plants,” Shirodkar said.

Simultaneously, both the Goa and Maharashtra governments have initiated repair work on the Tillari canal, particularly on the Maharashtra side, which spans approximately 29 km and was built nearly three decades ago.

Due to the continuous year-round flow of water, maintenance of the canal has been challenging.

Shirodkar noted that while the Goa government has effectively maintained the canal within its jurisdiction, the same was not the case on the Maharashtra side.

“There has been little maintenance on the Maharashtra side. This is not to assign blame, but to highlight the challenge. To repair or maintain the canal, water flow must be halted, which would affect Goa’s supply,” the minister explained.

He further revealed that around 10 months ago, both state governments agreed to take up repair work on the Maharashtra section.

“The Maharashtra government has now processed the necessary approvals and is set to commence the work,” he said.

Additionally, Shirodkar has advised officials to implement a surveillance system to monitor the canal’s condition in Goa, particularly in structurally weak areas.

The breach of the Tillari canal on January 24 led to a water crisis in Bardez taluka, causing significant hardships for residents.

Water supply remained irregular for nearly 10 days, with those in high-altitude areas of Mapusa and the tail-end regions of Porvorim experiencing severe shortages.

The government remains committed to ensuring a stable water supply and preventing such disruptions in the future through these strategic interventions.