Selaulim reservoir overflows 13 days earlier than in 2023, Gaunem dam also spills over

Panaji: With Goa receiving excess rainfall so far this season, the Selaulim reservoir in Ugem, Sanguem began to overflow on Sunday evening, which is 13 days earlier than last year. Last year, the reservoir – the main source of raw water for the whole of South Goa – reached capacity on July 20.
In 2023, Panchwadi dam was the first to overflow on July 19. Last year monsoon arrived in Goa on June 23 due to an unusual delay.This led to the overflows taking place later than usual.
On Sunday, the Gaunem reservoir in Canacona was the first to overflow. However, this is a much smaller reservoir. This was followed by the Selaulim dam overflow event. Though the overflow of Selaulim is earlier than last year, July 7 is the normal date for the Selaulim reservoir to reach capacity provided the monsoon arrives on time and the rainfall is normal.
The Selaulim reservoir has a unique duckbill spillway and every season, once the dam reaches capacity, hundreds of visitors throng the dam to witness the water falling down the crest. The ‘duckbill’ spillway is designed to pass a maximum flood discharge of 1,450 cu mt of water per second. The excess water flows into River Selaulim and is used for irrigation.
The sight of the spillway can be enjoyed up to November by visitors, depending on the quality of post-monsoon showers.
The reservoir water spread area is 24 sqm. The dam’s gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 234.361 MCM. Of the total live storage, 126 cu mt is used for irrigation and the balance is earmarked for domestic and industrial use.
The public works department (PWD) treats around 160 million litres per day (MLD) of water and another JICA-sponsored water treatment plant treats around 100 MLD water. It caters to Sanguem, Quepem, Salcete and Mormugao talukas and part of Borim village in Ponda taluka.