MARGAO: People of Salcete feel that the government has failed to carry out the desilting of River Sal and other water bodies in order to avoid floods in different parts of the taluka.
Speaking to media persons, locals have urged the government authorities to take this issue seriously and give priority to the desilting of River Sal. AAP Spokesperson Siddesh Bhagat has also extended his support to the request made by the locals.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Peter Fernandes, a resident of Seraulim said this monsoon will certainly lead to flooding due to no proper desilting of river Sal, and also because of the land filing done to construct the western bypass road.
“It has been noticed that the land is being filled by the Public Works Department, at many places and that too near the river Sal. The excess flow of the rainwater into the river has been blocked, and hence it will surely result in flooding,” he claimed.
Raque Fernandes, another local from Benaulim said that no seriousness towards the River Sal is going to affect the environment, not only this monsoon but for generations to come.
“The Goa administration is unprepared for the impending monsoon. Clogged drains, water logging, and muddy roads, it’s a story of every year in Goa. The Government promises that they’ll resolve these problems but they always fail to do so. Silt gets accumulated in canals resulting in flooding in nearby villages. If desilting is not done on time this year will be proven disastrous”, said Siddesh Bhagat.
He further said that every passing year rainfall is increasing. In 2019 3000mm, 4120 mm in 2020, 4505 mm in 2021. Administration negligence results in the loss of livelihood for common people.
“This carelessness will not be tolerated this year. A policy framework is needed for monsoon and accountability should be fixed. Citizens should be aware of what the administration is planning and what safety measures are in place, especially for the marginalized and Poor”, said Bhagat.
He urged the administration to take the matter seriously and do the job of desilting of river Sal a priority.
