PANJIM: In view of the approaching monsoon period, the Corporation of the City of Panjim (CCP) has identified all the flood-prone zones in its jurisdiction and has put in place a plan of action respectively.
This was revealed by Panjim Mayor Rohit Monserrate while speaking to the media. Monserrate rejected allegations about CCP not being adequately prepared for the Cyclone Tauktae and said staff and equipment like cutters, vehicles like cranes etc were all on standby and pressed into service on Sunday morning itself in coordination with the Fire department.
He added that Panjim had returned to normalcy quickly as all issues such as tree falling and water logging was resolved quickly and assistance was provided to people whose houses were affected by the cyclone.
He added that for the last two months, even a month prior to him taking charge as the Mayor, CCP had been desilting and clearing the drains in the city. He said the storm was so strong and unprecedented that the drains and gutters were filled again and the number of uprooted trees also blocked certain areas.
He attributed the flooding of Mala area and Rua de Ourem that occurred during the cyclone to the storm, high tide and it being prone to inundation as it is a low-lying area.
However, in this regard he said they are having discussion with a contractor who had some incomplete work in the area.
He also referred to pending works under the Smart City programme and said they had held discussions with the Chief Minister and PWD Minister to expedite the ongoing sewerage works as well.
He felt that once the sewerage infrastructure is upgraded and other projects are completed, things should improve and that CCP has been doing as much as it can in addressing the flooding issue.
When told that going by what happened during the cyclone, Panjim and not just Mala could see water logging, Rohit acknowledged that this may happen but said they are doing their best to ensure that such issues, if and when they occur, are addressed immediately.
He added that before the cyclone as well, CCP has had several meetings and have been carrying out pre-monsoon works across Panjim.
