PANJIM/BICHOLIM: Following heavy rains and rising water levels in River Chapora, Water Resources Department has alerted the district administration and warned of the rising threat from the river in three talukas of Pernem, Bardez and Bicholim.
Executive Engineer MK Prasad has written to the Dy Collectors of Pernem, Bardez and Bicholim warning about the rising threat. “It is informed by the engineer in charge of Tillari dam at Konalkatta, Maharashtra that the water level in the dam has reached to the crest level. So water flowing to the reservoir due to rain will start flowing to Tillari River through the spillway. As such there is a chance of increase in water level of Chapora River. So it is requested to alert the villagers residing on the banks of Chapora River,” Prasad said in his letter.
In the last 48 hours the State has received 48 mm of rain. The State has so far received 1521.4 mm (60 inches), which is 25 per cent above normal. IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in Goa till July 13.
Several low lying areas of Gaonkarwada, Bordem, Pilgao, Nanora, Mayem, Gauthan and other areas in the Bicholim taluka were flooded.
Water also entered into one of the shops at Bordem Bicholim. A plantation owned by one Vithal Vernekar from Piddulkarwada in the Bicholim industrial estate got washed away causing him a loss of Rs 2 lakh.
Incidents of trees getting uprooted were reported at several places in the taluka. Most roads were flooded especially in Mayem and Bicholim. In the evening, the water level receded after rain stopped.
The water level of Tillari Dam at Konalkatta, Maharashtra reached to crest level compelling the dam authorities to discharge the water which led to rise in the Chapora River level at Sal.
The Disaster Management Cell alerted the Sal villagers not to venture into river. The water level of Walvanti River at Sanquelim reached 4.50 metres while Bicholim River level reached 4.70 metres. The pumping of water from the Sanquelim market and Bicholim was taken up by the WRD.
In charge of Disaster Management Cell Bicholim Pravinjay Pandit informed that Amthane Dam is on the verge of filling up the reservoir. “Considering the possibility of water discharge in two days, the villagers in surrounding areas have been alerted,” Pandit informed.
The rainfall in Anjunem Dam area was recorded to 130 mm, while the total rainfall was 1850 mm with the dam nearly reaching its maximum capacity, Pandit added.
The flood situation was reviewed by Bicholim MLA and Speaker Rajesh Patnekar. “We are monitoring the situation, which is under control,” Patnekar said.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in the evening also took stock of the situation.
Briefing media persons, he said considering the danger of flood situation in the State due to rains, all the concerned officials have been directed to be vigilant and provide necessary assistance.
