Plan B: WRD may pump water into Khandepar

Ponda:With the Dhatwada-Usgao locals continuing to oppose the water pipeline between Dhatwada and Khandepar, it is uncertain if the Khandepar river would be augmented with water from the Ganjem water scheme this summer. Work on laying the pipeline has been halted since February 1.

However, the water resources department (WRD) is ready to pour the required raw water into the Kalem River, which will flow down into the Khandepar River.

A WRD team from Pajimol, Sanguem, has recently carried out the servicing and repairs of two pumps powered by 600 HP motors, vaccum pumps and the sluice valve among other things.

With the water level in the Khandepar reducing, Opa water works had asked WRD officials to get the pumps at the Ganjem and Selaulim Dam ready, in order to rejuvenate the river. Following the commissioning of the new 27-MLD water treatment plant at Opa, the water works now draws over 160 MLD water from the Khandepar regularly.

A total of five water treatment plants at Opa ward in Khandepar village,Ponda, supplies potable water to over 95% of Ponda and Tiswadi talukas. This includes Panaji, Bambolim, Taleigao, Ribandar and the entire taluka of Ponda.

Once the water level in the Opa basin goes down, it receives water from Selaulim dam, Ganjem water scheme, a total of 18 bundharas over the Khandepar and Kalem rivers, from the mining pits in Codli village and the Opa river and its tributaries. The Ganjem bundhara has two pumps that fetch 35 MLD water and two pumps of 600 HP each at Selaulim Dam that together draw 48 MLD of water.


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