http://oheraldo.in/node/9141
Craters near Selaulim dam triggers panic BY ALFRED FERNANDES SANGUEM, JAN 30 — The formation of large craters at the Selaulim dam site — which forms the major source of water for consumption and agriculture purposes to most parts of South Goa — has raised doubts on the safety of the dam and has alarmed locals of Sanguem. Panic set in when locals recently noticed a few craters in the vicinity of the underground tunnel at the Selaulim dam site. It may be noted that at the time of constructing the dam, authorities had plans to generate electricity at the Selaulim dam with the help of the Selaulim resorvoir waters. For this purpose, a well and an underground tunnel was built touching the dam at the extreme end towards Xelpem village. It is now noted that a few craters have developed in the vicinity of the tunnel and are on the increase. Earlier, one single crater had developed at the site and recently, some three craters have developed at the site, thereby raising doubts over the strength of the Selaulim Dam. "One such crater is right in the Selaulim waters and this could be dangerous," warned a villager. Immediately on noticing the carters, PWD officials who look after the maintenance of the Selaulim Dam rushed to the site and covered one of the three craters with concrete. The other two craters, however, continue to remain open, thereby raising doubts on the possibility of further damage to the dam site. -- Salaam ali kum. Gabe Menezes. London, England
