PANAJI: The automation of the functioning of the Anjuem dam, which was on a one year trial basis, has become fully operational. Known as the Goa Dam monitoring project, it will also include the automation of the Selaulim dam which will be taken up shortly.

Highly placed official from the Water Resources Department informed that the Goa dam monitoring project via GSM was launched last year on a trial basis. He further said that after one year of successful trials, the system has become fully operational.

The official informed that the project has been set up at the cost of Rs 1.65 crore for a period of five years, which also includes maintenance.

He said that under the project, the department has set up rain gauge stations in the catchments areas, adding this allows the department to predict the rainfall and regulate the flow of water into the dam.

This apart, one can also monitor the water into the canals with a periodical check, the official said and added that the system is connected to a central server, which provides accurate data besides that the new technology also helps in monitoring the rising levels of water within the dam and amount of water released.

He said that the proposal for the automation of the Selaulim dam will also be taken up shortly as the file is making its rounds for getting the necessary clearances.

He further said that the work on automation of Selaulim dam should start within the next couple of months or latest by the year end and added that automation of other water works has not been considered just yet due to the cost factor.