Team Herald
PONDA: The Water Resources Department (WRD) has commenced pumping water from hazardous mining pits in Codli into the Opa-Khandepar River, following a joint meeting between the Disaster Management Authority, WRD, and the Mining Department last week in Panjim.
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The move comes after concerns were raised by locals regarding the risk of mining pits bursting during the upcoming monsoon season. The issue was initially highlighted by O Heraldo, under the headline Mining pits a ticking time bomb, prompting authorities to take action. In addition to mitigating flood risks, the water pumping process is expected to increase water levels in the Opa-Khandepar River. However, locals have been cautioned about a potential rise in the river’s water level due to the operation.
It may be recalled that last year, excessive rainfall caused two massive mining pits to fill with water. The mud bandhara (embankment) separating them collapsed, leading to the pits merging, with water from one overflowing into the other, creating the appearance of a sea. Following this, the 30-metre-wide road or buffer zone separating the mining pits from the Opa-Khandepar River developed cracks, heightening fears among locals that a further breach could cause flooding in downstream villages. Consequently, residents had urged authorities to drain water from the pits before the monsoon.
To carry out the operation, two pontoons have been installed in the pits, each equipped with two 200 HP water pumps. These pumps discharge approximately 1,560 cubic metres of water per hour, amounting to 35 MLD (million litres per day) being pumped from the pits into the Opa-Khandepar River via pipelines.
The WRD initiated pumping operations at the mining pits in Codli following directives from the Deputy Collector of Dharbandora and the Directorate of Mines, as per instructions given during a meeting chaired by the South Goa Collector.
The WRD has also issued a public advisory, warning residents of surrounding areas to remain vigilant due to the anticipated rise in river water levels. Meanwhile, the people of Codli have expressed their appreciation for the prompt action taken by the WRD Dharbandora team in addressing the issue.
