GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD

GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET

NORTH GOA DISTRICT, GOA STATE

SOUTH WESTERN REGION

BANGALORE
JUNE 2010
 FOREWORD

Ground water contributes to about eighty percent of the drinking water

requirements in the rural areas, fifty percent of the urban water requirements and more
than fifty percent of the irrigation requirements of the nation. Central Ground Water
Board has decided to bring out district level ground water information booklets
highlighting the ground water scenario, its resource potential, quality aspects, recharge –
discharge relationship, etc., for all the districts of the country. As part of this, Central
Ground Water Board, South Western Region, Bangalore, is preparing such booklets for
the 2 districts of Goa state.

The North Goa district Ground Water Information Booklet has been prepared
based on the information available and data collected from various state and central
government organisations by several hydro-scientists of Central Ground Water Board
with utmost care and dedication. This booklet has been prepared by Sri S.Sudarshana,
Superintending Hydrogeologist, under the guidance of Dr. K.Md. Najeeb, Regional
Director, Central Ground Water Board, South Western Region, Bangalore. Smt. Sandhya
Yadav, Scientist-C assisted in the compilation of data from various sources.

I take this opportunity to congratulate them for the diligent and careful
compilation and observation in the form of this booklet, which will certainly serve as a
guiding document for further work and help the planners, administrators, hydrogeologists
and engineers to plan the water resources management in a better way in the district.

(T.M.HUNSE)
Regional Director

1
 NORTH GOA DISTRICT AT A GLANCE

Sl. Items Statistics

No.
1. General Information
(i) Geographical area (sq. km.) 1,736
(ii) Administrative Division (as on 2005 – 06)
(a) Number of Taluks 6 (Tiswadi, Bardez, Pernem,
Bicholim, Satari, Ponda)
(b) Number of Villages 213
(iii) Population (as per 2001 Census) 7,58,573
(iv) Average Annual Rainfall (mm) 2932 mm
2. Geomorphology
(i) Major physiographic units Coastal plain, vast etch plain
towards the east, low dissected
denudational hills and table land
& deeply dissected high western
ghat denudational hills occurring
all along the eastern part.
(ii) Major Drainage Principal perennial rivers are
Terekhol, Chapora, Mandovi &
Zuari rivers.
Non-perennial river – Baga.
3. Land Use (sq. km.)
(i) Forest area (ha) 35,042 ha
(ii) Net area sown (ha) 83,765 ha
4. Major soil types Lateritic soil, Saline soil, Alluvial
soil (very thin strip along the
coast line towards western part
of the district).
5. Area under principal crops ( 2005 – 06) Crops Area (ha)
Paddy 29605
Cereals millets/ 12684
pulses & oil seeds
Sugarcane 240
Coconut 11155
Arecanut 1421
Cashew nut 40109

2
6. Irrigation by different sources (Area (ha) & Number Area irrigated Number
of structures) (As per Third Census of Minor (ha)
Irrigation Schemes 2000-01)
(i) Dug wells 1867.91 ha 3359
(ii) Tube wells (Shallow; Deep) 75.10 ha 71 (14; 57)
(23.7 ha; 51.40
ha)
(iii) Tanks / Ponds - 68
(iv) Canals 1149.40 ha 3
(v) Other sources: (a) Lift Irrigation Schemes (a) 1383.54 ha (a) 417
(b) Surface Flow irrigation (b) 3972.92 ha (b) 2559
(vi) Net irrigated area 8448.87 ha
7. Number of ground water monitoring wells of Central Ground Water Board (as on
31.03.2009)
(i) Dug wells 22
(ii) Piezometers 5
8. Predominant Geological Formations (a) Mainly formations of Goa
Group, comprising: Schist
(major part), Greywacke with
conglomerate, Dolomitic
limestone (small patch towards
northeastern part), Metabasalt
(small patch towards
southwestern part).
(b) Formations of Peninsular
Gneissic Complex,
comprising: Granite gneiss,
Granite (small patch towards
northeastern part).
(c) Deccan Traps: Basalt (thin
strip towards north eastern
most tip)
(d) Beach sand: (very thin
strip towards north western
part of the district).
(e) Laterite: Vast portion of
the rocks (viz. schist,
greywacke with conglomerate,
granite & metabasalts) is
lateritised.

3
9. Hydrogeology
(i) Major water bearing formation Laterite, Alluvium, Granite,
Granite Gneiss, Meta
volcanics & Meta
sedimentaries.
(ii) Pre – monsoon depth to water level during May 2009 2.17 to 19.23
(in m bgl)
(iii) Post – monsoon depth to water level during Nov. 0.43 to 14.90
2006 (in m bgl)
(iv) Long term water level trend in 10 years (1997 – 2006) (in m/year)
(a) Pre – monsoon Range from a decline of 8.43 m to rise of 2.72 m

(b) Post – monsoon Range from a decline of 1.62 m to rise of 4.13 m

10. Ground water exploration by Central Ground Water Board (as on 31.03.07)
27 Number of wells drilled
(a) Exploratory Drilling Programme (a) 24 EW; 8 OW; Total – 32
(b) Deposit well construction (Under Caboraj Niwas & (b) 12
Western Ghat Development Programme of Goa
State)
(ii) Depth Range (m bgl)
(a) Exploratory Drilling Programme (a) 17.60 – 184.25 m bgl
(b) Deposit well construction (Under Caboraj Niwas & (b) 22.05 – 79.0 m bgl
Western
Ghat Development Programme of Goa State)
(iii) Discharge (litres per second)
(a) Exploratory Drilling Programme (a) 0.05 – 13.50 lps
(b) Deposit well construction (Under Caboraj Niwas & (b) 1.00 – 25.00 lps
Western
Ghat Development Programme of Goa State)
(iv) Sp. Capacity (m3/day/m)
(a) Exploratory Drilling Programme (a) 0.47 – 988.47
(a) Deposit well construction (Under Caboraj Niwas & (b) – Not computed
Western -
Ghat Development Programme of Goa State)
(v) Transmissivity (m2/day)
(a) Exploratory Drilling Programme (a) 0.12 – 346.10
(b) Deposit well construction (Under Caboraj Niwas & (b) – Not computed -
Western Ghat Development Programme of Goa
State)

4
11. Ground water quality
(i) Presence of chemical constituents more than Saline due to sea water
permissible limit ingress in inland aquifers along
tidal river courses.

Ground water in general is of

good quality.
(ii) Type of water Calcium – Bicarbonate Type
12. Dynamic ground water resource (2004)
(i) Net ground water availability (ham) 17354.51
(ii) Total Annual Ground Water Draft (ham) 4756.21
(iii) Projected demand for domestic & industrial uses 2413.84
upto 2025 (ham)
(iv) Stage of ground water development (%) 27 % (SAFE)
13 Awareness & Training activity
(i) Mass awareness programmes organized 2
(i) Ground water management
(ii) On “Hydrological
Information System” – under
Hydrology Project – II.
(a) Date (i) 18.03.02; (ii) 12.03.08;
(b) Place (i) Panaji, (ii) Panaji
(ii) Water management Training Programmes (WMTP) 2
organized (i) WMTP on 29.03.04 at Goa
Science Centre, Marine
Highway, Miramar, Panaji,
North Goa.
(ii) “Hydrological Information
System” – under Hydrology
Project – II, on 12.03.08,
Panjim, North Goa.
14. Artificial recharge & rainwater harvesting
(i) Projects completed by CGWB (No. & amount spent) Nil
15. Ground water control & Regulation
(i) Number of OE blocks
Nil
(ii) Number of Critical blocks Nil
(iii) Number of blocks notified Nil

5
16. Major ground water problems & issues • Ground water in dug
wells & borewells in
areas around Baga &
along Chapora river is
brackish to saline due to
seawater ingress.
• Ground water in areas
adjacent to stream
course in NE of Panjim
is polluted due to
domestic sewage.
• Scarcity of ground water
during summer months
due to high sub –
surface run off in hilly
topography and highly
permeable nature of
phreatic aquifer. This
results in lowering of
water level or drying of
wells during summer
months.

6
7
1.0 Introduction

1.1 Location

Goa state lies along the west coast of India. The state is sub – divided into
two districts, North & South Goa district. North Goa district lies in the
northern part of Goa state. The geographical area of the district is 1,736
sq.km, and is situated between north latitudes 15o 16’ 30” & 15o 48’ 15”
and between east longitudes 73o 40’ 30” & 74o 17’ 15”. The district is
bounded by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra in the north, Belgaum
district of Karnataka in the north – east, Uttara Kannada district of
Karnataka in the east, South Goa district in the south and in the west by
the Arabian Sea.

1.2 Administrative set up

Panaji is the district headquarters of North Goa district. The district

comprises of 6 taluks namely, Tiswadi, Bardez, Pernem, Bicholim, Satari
and Ponda (Figure 1). There are 213 villages and 27 towns, out of which,
7 are Municipal towns.

1.3 Population

Population of the district (as per 2001 Census) is 7,58,573 with a

population density of 437 per sq. km.

1.4 Physiography & Drainage

Physiographically North Goa district can be broadly divided onto four

distinct morphological units from west to east namely,
(i) coastal plain with marine land forms on the west,
(ii) vast stretch of plains adjoining the coastal plain,
(iii) low dissected denudational hills & tablelands towards the east, and
(iv) deeply dissected high Western Ghats denudational hills along the
eastern most part of the district.
Principal perennial rivers draining through the district are, Terekhol,
Chapora, Mandovi & Zuari and non – perennial (seasonal) river Baga. The
river basin of all these westerly flowing short rivers originate from Western
Ghats and drain in the Arabian Sea in the west under estuarine
environment. Primarily the underlying rocks govern the drainage system in
the area. The drainage pattern is generally dendritic type. The major river
Zuari follows the major NW synclinal axis. The river valleys are ‘V’ shaped
in the western high hill ranges, but broadens in central midlands and
become ‘U’ shaped in the low lands and coastal plains.

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1.5 Crops & Irrigation practices

Agriculture is one of the important economic activities in the district. Rice

is the staple food and paddy is the principal agricultural crop. Gross
cropped area under paddy in 2005 – 06 was 29605 ha, accounting for
nearly 27.82% of the Gross Cropped Area (106413 ha). Other crops
grown are cereals, millets, pulses & oil seeds, which constitute an area of
12684 ha (11.92%), sugarcane 240 ha (0.22%), coconut 11155 ha
(10.48%), arecanut 1421 ha (1.33%) and cashew nut 40109 ha (37.69%).

Irrigation potential created as on March 2000 by the Anjunem Irrigation

Project was 2100 ha in Satari and Bicholim taluks of North Goa district.
Irrigation by different sources, as per Third Census of Minor Irrigation
Schemes 2000 – 01 is illustrated in Table 1.

Table 1: Irrigation by different sources (As per Third Census of Minor

Irrigation Schemes 2000 – 01)
Sl. No. Irrigation source No. of schemes Area irrigated (ha)
1. Dug wells 3359 1867.91
2. Shallow tube wells 14 23.70
3. Deep tube wells 57 51.40
4. Lift irrigation schemes 417 1383.54
5. Surface flow irrigation 2559 3972.92
TOTAL 6406 7299.47

1.6 Activities carried out by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

Twenty four deposit wells were constructed in Goa State for Caboraj
Niwas and Western Ghat Development Programme, by CGWB, during the
Field Season Programme (1984 – 86). Out of 24 deposit wells, 12 nos.
were constructed in North Goa district, 5 nos. in Tiswadi and 7 nos. in
Satari taluks respectively.

Under Exploratory Drilling Programme of CGWB, 24 exploratory wells & 8

observation wells were drilled to study the hydrogeological conditions,
aquifer parameters and update ground water regime & quality in the
district.

Monitoring of spatial and temporal change in ground water level in the

district is being done by CGWB, South Western Region, four times
annually (viz. May, September, November & January), through an
established network of 27 monitoring stations (22 dug wells and 5
piezometers).

Under the aegis of activities of Central Ground Water Authority, one Mass
Awareness Programme and one Water Management Training Programme
9
 was organized in the district in the year 2002 and 2004 respectively.

World Bank aided Hydrology Project for Peninsular States started during
1995 – 96, with a mandate to bring together all departments dealing with
water under one umbrella. The sole objective of the Project was to deliver
a reliable and functional Hydrological Information System. The Project is
implemented in Karnataka, with CGWB, South Western Region, identified
as one of the member and nodal agency dealing with ground water related
issues.

Under Phase – II of Hydrology Project, various activities have been taken

up by CGWB in the state of Goa and in the district as well. The activities
comprise, preliminary field investigations, interactive sessions of central
with state agencies, establishment of ground water monitoring stations in
consultation with state agencies, finalization of sites for piezometer
construction, data compilation & digitization of relevant maps and
meetings of the expert committee constituted for the project. 2 nos. of
ground water monitoring stations have been established in Divar islands
for water level and quality monitoring in Tiswadi taluk, North Goa district.
One mass awareness and one training programme have been organized
on “Hydrological Information System”, in the district.

2.0 Climate & Rainfall

Due to maritime influence, the diurnal range of temperature during the day
is not large. The diurnal range is the least being 4 to 6o C during monsoon
season and increases to the maximum of 10 to 20oC during December &
January. May is the hottest month where the mean daily temperature
increases to 30oC. January is the coolest with mean daily temperature of
about 23oC. It is noted that the day temperature is the lowest in monsoon
months of July and August and not in the cool winter months of December
and January. The temperature is highest (around 33oC) in pre – monsoon
months of April & May and again in post monsoon months of November &
January. Due to proximity to the Arabian Sea, humidity throughout the
year is more than 60% with range from 80 to 90% during monsoon period.

As a result of orographic influence, rainfall increases towards the Western

Ghats, with average annual rainfall (1971 – 2001) 2828.70 mm (in Bardez
taluk) to 3948.30 mm (in Satari taluk). Over 90% of annual rainfall occurs
during monsoon months of June to September. About 32% of the annual
rainfall is received during July.

10
3.0 Soil Types
Soils of the district can be classified into 3 types namely (i) Laterite soil (ii)
Saline soil and (iii) Alluvial soil:
(i) Lateritic soil is the major soil type in the district. It is highly porous &
permeable, slightly acidic with low pH values, low in organic matter,
Calcium and Phosphorus.
(ii) Saline soil in the district occurs in the flood plains of Zuari and
Mandovi rivers in Tiswadi, Bardez and Ponda taluks. It also occurs
in Pernem taluk. The soil is deep, poorly drained and less
permeable. It is saline, high in pH and contains humus and organic
matter.
(iii) Alluvial soil occurs as very thin strip along the coastline towards
western part of the district. It is reddish brown to yellowish, coarse
grained and confined to narrow valleys of rivers. It is well drained,
acidic with low pH and organic content.

4.0 Geology
4.1 Stratigraphy

The stratigraphic succession of rocks in North Goa district is given in

Table 2 below.

4.2 Distribution of rock types

North Goa district is dominantly covered by the formation of Goa Group

belonging to Dharwar Super Group of Archaean to Proterozoic age.
Deccan Trap of Upper Cretaceous occupies a narrow strip along the
northeastern corner to Lower Eocene age.

The Goa Group comprises of metamorphic rocks of green schist facies,

and is divided into Barcem, Sanvordem, Bicholim and Vageri formation in
the ascending order of superposition. The Goa Group of rocks has been
intruded by granite gneiss, feldspathic gneiss, hornblende gneiss and
porphyritic granite, followed by basic intrusive.

During the Sub – Recent and Recent times, the rocks have been subjected
to lateritisation of varying thickness. Thus, laterite occurs extensively
covering almost all the formations in North Goa district.

Coastal alluvium occurring along the coastal plains consists of fine to

coarse sands with intercalations of sandy loam, silt and clay.

11
 4.3 Structural geology

The Goa group of rocks is disposed in a general NW – SE direction. The

rock types indicate three cycles of folding. The straight coastline suggests
the major fault along the west coast. Associated with this fault a number of
weak planes have developed. Along these weak planes Terekhol,
Chapora, Mandovi and Zuari rivers flow to meet the Arabian Sea. Western
Ghats, which extends in NS to NNW – SSE direction represent a
prominent fault zone. Even though the rock types of Goa Group have
suffered considerable faulting, all the faults are not exposed on surface
owing to the extensive cover of laterite.

Table 2: Stratigraphy Of North Goa District

AGE GROUP FORMATION ROCK TYPE
Quaternary Beach Sand
Cenozoic Laterites
Upper Cretaceous Deccan Trap Basalt
to Eocene
Clospet Granite Granite
Lower Proterozoic Peridotite, Gabbro, Pyroxenite, Peridotite,
Norite Serpentinite, Gabbro
Goa Group Vageri Formation Carbonate-quartz-chlorite schist
with Greywacke
Dolomitic limestone
Quartz- Sericite schist
Banded iron formation
Chert and quartzite
Bicholim Formation Quartz-chlorite-biotite schist
with layers of chert, iron oxide,
Archaean to Lower carbonate, meta-basalt and
Proterozoic meta gabbro
Greywacke with conglomerate
Sanvordem Quartzite
Formation
Quartz-chlorite schist
Barcem Formation Meta-acid volcanics
Meta-basalt
Orthoquartzite
Archaean Peninsular Granite Gneiss, Migmatites and
Gneissic Granites
complex

5.0 Ground water scenario

5.1 Hydrogeology

Occurrence and movement of ground water depends upon the type of rock
formation, structure, topography, rainfall, recharge etc. Ground water in
12
the district occurs in rocks having primary porosity & permeability or in
those having secondary porosity acquired due to weathering, leaking,
tectonics, solutions etc.

Ground water bearing formations in the district are laterite, alluvium,

granite, granite gneiss, metavolcanics and metasedimentaries.
Hydrogeological map is illustrated in Figure-2.

5.1.1 Occurrence of ground water and aquifer characteristics of

various formations

Laterites
Laterites are the important water bearing formations. Laterites are of two
types, viz. insitu, occurring in plateau areas or of detrital origin generally
occupying valley portions. Besides inherent porosity, the laterites are
highly jointed and fractured, which control their water bearing capacity.
The topographic settings of laterites control its ground water potential. The
thickness of laterites extends up to 30 m. Ground water occurs under
water table condition in lateritic formation. In the plateau area and high
grounds, depth of wells range from 9.40 to 26.60 m bgl and depth to water
level varies between 8.20 – 21.90 m bgl, whereas wells located in
topographic lows range in depth from 3.10 – 11.95 m bgl and depth to
water level varies from 1.5 – 8.40 m bgl. Specific capacities varies
between 1.73 to 3205 m3/day/m. Promising ground water bearing areas
are located near Malpen and Tuem in Pernem taluk, Advalpal and Mayem
in Bicholim Taluk.

Alluvium
Alluvium constitutes good aquifers and is restricted to banks of rivers, viz.
Zuari and Mandovi. Thickness of the coastal alluvium varies from 5 – 22
m, and comprise of fine to coarse sand with intercalations of sandy loam,
silt and clay. Depth range of 1.42 to 7.7 m bgl is being tapped by dug
wells. Exploratory tube wells constructed in alluvium vary in depth from
15.50 – 22m. Depth to water level in these formations varies from 1.4 to
5.85 m bgl. The discharges recorded from these aquifers are between
1.88 – 3 lps. Specific capacities vary between 27.10 & 200.78 m3/day/m
and transmissivity varies from 25.44 – 177.50 m2/day.

Granite and Granite Gneiss

Ground water occurs under unconfined, semi – confined and confined
conditions in weathered and fractured zones of granite and granite gneiss.
Depth to water level in these formations in open wells varies from 3.8 to
6.25 m bgl, and specific capacities between 14.4 to 77.30 m3/day/m.
Exploratory bore holes drilled in granite and granitic gneiss are in the
13
depth range of 70.70 to 124 m bgl. Discharge recorded is between 0.77 to
8.8 lps. Specific capacities in exploratory wells recorded, vary from 2.27 to
43 m3/day/m and transmissivity from 0.87 to 34.60 m2/day.

Metavolcanics
In unaltered state, metavolcanics are very poor in ground water. However,
ground water is found to occur in zones having secondary porosity and
permeability imparted due to weathering, joints and fractures. Ground
water occurs both under water table and confined conditions. Water
bearing zones extend up to depth of 40 to 100 m.

Irrigation dug wells having diameter from 2.2 to 6.1 m are found to tap the
weathered zone up to 9.25 m bgl. Depth to water level in dug wells varies
from 1.48 to 6.26 m bgl. Specific capacity varies from 10.60 to 228.70
m3/day/m.

Exploratory wells and deposit wells drilled by CGWB in this formation

range in depth from 37.20 to 200.75 m bgl and the discharges recorded
range from 0.18 to 25 lps. Productive zones were encountered even up to
119 m bgl. Specific capacities recorded from boreholes tested varied from
0.46 to 988.47 m3/day/m and transmissivity varied from 0.25 to 346.10
m2/day.

Studies have indicated that bore holes drilled in metavolcanics with thick
lateritic cover in the plateau areas and close to lineaments have yields
ranging from 2 to 5 lps.

Metasedimentaries
Metasedimentaries comprise shales, phyllites, schists, metagreywackes,
argillites and quartzites. The irrigation dug wells tapping weathered zones
extending from 8.5 to 19.85 m bgl in these rock units with varying well
diameters from 2.2 to 6.1 m. Depth to water level during post and pre –
monsoon periods are recorded respectively in the range between 0.48 to
12.06 m bgl and 1.79 to 14.88 m bgl with fluctuations between 0.86 to 8.0
m. Specific capacities vary from 0.85 to 82.80 m3/day/m.

5.1.2 Depth to water level

i) Pre-Monsoon of 2009:
The Depth to water level ranged from 0.43 to 14.90 m bgl. A map
showing the dept to water level in the range of <2, 2 to 5, 5 to 10 and 10 to
20 m bgl is given in Figure-3. The map shows water level is in the range
of less than 2 to 20 m bgl. Water level in the range of 10 to 20 m bgl is
seen as one big pocket in Bicholim, Sattari and Ponda taluks.

14
15
 ii) Post-Monsoon of 2009:
The Depth to water level ranged from 2.17 to 19.23 m bgl. A map
showing the dept to water level in the range of <2, 2 to 5, 5 to 10 and 10 to
20 m bgl is given in Figure-4. The map shows water level is in the range
of 2 to 20 m bgl. Water level in the range of 10 to 20 m bgl is seen as one
big pocket in Bicholim, Sattari and Ponda taluks.

5.1.3 Seasonal ground water level fluctuation

Water levels from 19 stations were compared to know the change in water
level between pre-monsoon and post monsoon of 2009. While 16 stations
recorded rise in water levels 3 stations recorded fall in water level.

5.1.4 Long – term water level trend

i) Pre-monsoon:
Water levels from 25 stations were compared to know the decadal change
in water level during pre monsoon 2009. While 6 stations recorded rise in
water levels 19 stations recorded fall in water level

ii) Post monsoon:

Water levels from 19 stations were compared to know the decadal change
in water level during post monsoon 2009. While 15 stations recorded rise
in water levels 4 stations recorded fall in water level

5.2 Aquifer system encountered in the district

Under ground water exploration programme of CGWB, in North Goa

district, attempt has been made to study aquifer geometry & parameters
through drilling of exploratory bore wells. The selection of sites of all such
bore wells was done based on detailed hydrogeological investigations and
geophysical surveys.

The major aquifers encountered in the district during exploratory drilling

are in granite, granite gneiss, metabasalts, metasedimentaries and
alluvium. Formation wise aquifer parameters recorded during exploratory
drilling in the district is illustrated in Table 3.
Table 3: Formation wise aquifer parameters in North Goa district
Formation/Aquifers Yield Drawdown Sp. Capacity Transmissivity
3 2
(lps) (m) (m /d/m) (m /day)
1. Granites & 0.34 – 8.8 17.68 – 34.61 0.27 – 43.00 0.2 – 30.6
Gneisses
2. Metabasalts 0.18 – 9.9 1.9 – 33.78 0.46 – 141.20 0.2 – 232
3. Metasedimentaries 0.22 – 10 1.32 – 34.40 0.47 – 159.60 0.12 – 346
4. Alluvium 1.8 – 2.5 0.87 – 9.1 27 - 200 21 - 1776

18
19
 5.3 Ground water resources

Taluk wise ground water resource potential of the district estimated by

CGWB, South Western Region, Bangalore and Water Resources
Department of Goa, based on the recommendations of Ground Water
Resources Estimation Methodology – 97 (as on March 2004) is mentioned
in Table 4.

Table 4: Taluk wise ground water resource potential of North Goa district, Goa.
GROUND WATER RESOURCES OF NORTH GOA DISTRICT AS ON MARCH 2004

Projected domestic and industrial

STAGE OF

Total annual ground water draft

Average Stage of development

Net Ground water Availability

Domestic and industrial draft

Ground water availability for

DEVELOPMENT

future irrigation** (HAM)

AS ON MARCH
Irrigation draft (HAM)

draft 2025 (HAM)

2004

Semi-Critical Area (%)

(HAM)

(HAM)

(HAM)

Critical Area (%)

Safe Area (%)
(%)

OE Area (%)
TALUK

Tiswadi 1585.95 385.56 388.08 773.64 509.42 690.97 49 SAFE

Bardez 3568.84 695.52 551.95 1247.47 724.54 2148.78 35 SAFE
Pernem 3712.95 243.45 174.53 417.98 229.11 3240.40 11 SAFE
Bicholim 4053.07 593.75 219.95 813.70 288.72 3170.60 20 SAFE
Satari 1644.12 475.65 142.08 617.73 186.51 981.97 38 SAFE
Ponda 2789.57 523.43 362.26 885.69 475.53 1790.60 32 SAFE
TOTAL 17354.51 2917.36 1838.85 4756.21 2413.84 12023.31 27 SAFE

As illustrated in Table 4 and Map (Figure-5), there is good scope of

ground water exploitation in all the 6 taluks of North Goa district. All the 6
taluks are 100% SAFE for ground water exploitation. However, there are
pockets of declining water level in Bardez, Bicholim, Satari and Ponda
taluks of North Goa district. On the basis of long term water level trend
(1995 – 2005) considered for computation of ground water resource, Pre –
monsoon trend of 40% of the observation wells in Bicholim and 16% in
Satari taluks have recorded declining trend. Hence, ground water
development may be regulated in such pockets.

Declining long term post – monsoon trend has been observed in 40% of
observation wells falling in Bardez, 40% in Bicholim, 50% in Satari and
40% in Ponda taluks of North Goa. However, rest of the wells has shown
rising trend.

20
Ground water of the district is free from fluoride, nitrate and alkali hazards.
21
 5.4 Ground water quality

In general the quality is good and potable. However, high electrical

conductivity and chloride indicating brackish to saline nature of ground
water has been reported around Baga. This can be attributed to seawater
ingress in inland aquifers along tidal river courses. The spatial distribution
of saline water is given in Figure-6.

5.5 Status of groundwater development

Dug wells are mainly the ground water abstraction structure in use for
irrigation purposes in all the taluks. Shallow and deep tube wells are not
much in use for irrigation purposes. Surface water irrigation is found to be
extensively used in all the taluks of the district. Lift irrigation schemes are
also being executed in Pernem, Bicholim, Satari and Ponda taluks
respectively. The details of ground water abstraction structures
constructed under various minor irrigation schemes in North Goa district
are mentioned in Table 5.

Table 5: Taluk wise ground water abstraction structures constructed under

various minor irrigation schemes in North Goa district.
Sl. Taluk Dug Shallow Deep Surface Lift
No. wells tube wells tube flow irrigation
wells irrigation
1. Tiswadi 595 - - 23 -
2. Bardez 966 - - 1272 -
3. Pernem 316 - - 155 77
4. Bicholim 487 - - 111 54
5. Satari 372 9 57 242 207
6. Ponda 623 5 - 756 79
TOTAL 3559 14 57 2559 417
Source: IIIrd Census of Minor Irrigation Schemes 2000 – 01

6.0 Ground water management strategy

6.1 Ground water development

Stage of ground water development in the district is 27% as a whole and

the district falls in SAFE category. There is lot of Scope for further
development of ground water resource.

Due to complexities of formations, structure and morphological control,

bore wells have to be properly located with respect to lineaments. The
areas having pre - monsoon water levels less than 9 m and fluctuations
less than 6 m have been recommended for dug well development and in
areas having greater than 9m pre – monsoon water levels and greater
22
 than 6m fluctuations, bore wells have been suggested for resource
development

Bore wells of 150 to 200 mm dia may be drilled upto a depth of 45 to 150
m depending upon local hydrogeological conditions.

Deeper ground water abstraction structures should be at least 0.5 km

away from creeks and 400m away from coastline in low-lying areas to
avoid quality problems.

6.2 Water conservation & Artificial recharge

Due to thin soil cover and highly rugged topography, in spite of heavy
rainfall, the drainage system tends to be lean during summer months.
Likewise due to steep hydraulic gradient and highly permeable phreatic
aquifers, the dynamic ground water resource also gets depleted quickly
rendering scarcity even for drinking water during summer months.
Therefore, there is need for augmenting recharge by construction of water
harvesting structures like bhandaras, sub – surface dykes, percolation
ponds etc., so that these surface water bodies will help in augmenting
ground water resources.

In this regard, Department of Water Resources, Govt. of Goa, has taken

up various projects pertaining to inter linking of rivers in the district and
post – monsoon water harvesting. The State Govt. has endeavored in
inter linking of Zuari River with Kalay River in Mandovi basin through canal
and Chapora River with Assonora River in Mandovi basin. Series of
bhandaras have also been constructed in Khandepar and Assonora (Sub
– basin of Madei basin).

7.0 Ground water related issues & problems

Ground water occurring in dug wells as well as bore wells is brackish to
saline in areas around Baga and those along river Chapora, due to sea
water ingress in inland aquifers along tidal river courses. Salinity is more
pronounced during May when fresh water flow is minimum and maximum
seawater ingress takes place.

Investigations have revealed that ground water adjacent to stream course

in the NE of Panjim is also polluted due to domestic sewage in addition to
salinity problem.

Scarcity of ground water is observed during summer months as a result of

high sub – surface and surface run off due to hilly topography and highly
permeable nature of phreatic aquifer system. This results in lowering of
water levels or drying of wells in some areas in summer months.
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8.0 Awareness & Training Activity
8.1 Mass Awareness Programme (MAP) & Awareness Programme on
“Hydrological Information System” under Hydrology Project,
organized by Central Ground Water Board

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) organized MAP on the theme

“Conservation & Protection of ground water”, on 18.03.2002 at
International Centre, Panaji, North Goa. Representatives of Central &
State agencies and general public attended the programme. An interaction
session was held on the themes, viz. water conservation, artificial
recharge, ground water legislation and ground water authority.

Awareness Programme on “Hydrological Information System”, was

organized under Hydrology Project – II, on 12.03.2008 at Panaji, North
Goa. The representatives of State Govt. departments and members of
Hydrology Project user group attended the programme.

8.2 Water Management Training Programme (WMTP) & Training

Programme on “Hydrological Information System” under Hydrology
Project, organized by Central Ground Water Board

One day ‘Water Management Training Programme’ was organized by

CGWA in association with Govt. of Goa on 29.03.2004 at Goa Science
Centre, Marine Highway, Miramar, Panaji.. Representatives from State
Govt. departments, Watershed Development Society, Gram Vikas Kendra,
educational & research institutes attended the programme.

Training programme on “Hydrological Information System”, was organized

under Hydrology Project – II, on 12.03.2008, at Panaji, North Goa. Basic
objective of the training programme was to train the members of
Hydrology Project user group on the modules of Hydrological Information
System developed under Hydrology Project.

8.3 Presentations and lectures delivered in public forum

Lectures on various aspects of ground water development, management

and “Hydrological Information System”, were delivered by the scientists of
CGWB on occasions of mass awareness and training programmes,
organized at different venues in North Goa district.

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9.0 Areas Notified by Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
Based on status of ground water utilization and available ground water
resource, the entire district is categorized as SAFE from the point of view
of ground water development. Therefore, no area has been considered for
notification by CGWA.

10.0 Recommendations
(i) Due to thin soil cover and highly rugged topography, in spite of
heavy rainfall, the drainage system tends to be lean during summer
months. Likewise due to steep hydraulic gradient and highly
permeable phreatic aquifers, the dynamic ground water resource
also gets depleted quickly rendering scarcity even for drinking
water during summer months. Therefore, there is need for
augmenting recharge by construction of water harvesting structures
like bhandaras, sub – surface dykes, percolation ponds etc., so that
these surface water bodies will help in augmenting ground water
resources.

(ii) Investigations have revealed that ground water adjacent to stream

course in the NE of Panjim is also polluted due to domestic sewage
in addition to salinity problem. Hence, indiscriminate sewage
disposal should be regulated.

(iii) Due to complexities of formations, structure and morphological

control, bore wells have to be properly located with respect to
lineaments. The areas having pre - monsoon water levels less than
9 m and fluctuations less than 6 m have been recommended for
dug well development and in areas having greater than 9m pre –
monsoon water levels and greater than 6m fluctuations, bore wells
have been suggested for resource development

(iv) Bore wells of 150 to 200 mm dia may be drilled upto a depth of 45
to 150 m depending upon local hydrogeological conditions.

(v) Deeper ground water abstraction structures should be at least 0.5

km away from creeks and 400m away from coastline in low-lying
areas to avoid quality problems.

------------ O -------------

25
CENTRAL GROUND WATER BOARD
SOUTH WESTERN REGION,
27TH MAIN, 7TH CROSS, SECTOR I,
HSR LAYOUT, BANGALORE-560102
PH – 080-2572696 FAX – 080-25726940
VISIT US AT – cgwbswr.kar.nic.in

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