l Buckets used to bail out water when they should be pumps l Electric gadgets shifted to relatives homes l Infection and disease move in when the water moves out
TEAM HERALD
Monday night’s heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds may have brought in the much-needed relief from the sweltering heat, but not for those living in low-lying areas of Mala who like every year dread floods in their locality.
Moreover, local authorities are yet to take up anti-flooding measures in the areas prone to water-logging. Their lethargy has further worsened the fear of the residents.
Aditya Naik is gearing up to remove the stagnant water from his four-room house, located in the flood-prone Mala-Fontainhas area. “Every year, we see water inching up to our doorstep. It is a nightmare, but we have no alternative. We are all ready with buckets to drain out water,” he grinned with a little worry on his face.
The concern among the residents is also securing their gadgets like television, fridge and washing machines from the flood water. Naik said as a precaution the family shifts these to one of their relatives’ house at Margao. The low-lying areas are near the North Goa PDA office, Mala Lake stretch near Neugi Nagar and a few other spots at Cortim.
Another resident Rohan Bhingui has the same ordeal to share. The family of five is also prepared for the rains.
“Removing water from the house is an arduous exercise but what’s more difficult is disinfection post the floods. The second procedure is unavoidable because health cannot be ignored,” he explained.
“The stagnant water has to be removed as quickly as possible. The old-fashioned way to remove water with buckets is time consuming. We need water pumps.” He urged the local authorities to take permanent steps to avoid the annual nuisance of flooding in Mala.
The residents are supported by their councilor Shubham Chodankar who also echoed that pre-monsoon works have not even begun. He is expected to meet Corporation of City of Panaji Mayor Surendra Furtado requesting to expedite the works. “Flooding in Mala is as consistent as the seasons. There is no work carried out yet,” he said.
Nonetheless, the Water Resources Department comes to their rescue but it can do very little to clear clogged drains, which make matters worse. “I would request the Mayor to ensure that the drains are cleared from solid wastes which hinder the water pump service,” Chodankar said.
