PORVORIM: As floods, triggered by heavy rains inundated several villages, with as many as 150-odd families evacuated from their houses in the last 48-hours, the State government has decided to approach the Centre for funds for providing relief to the affected people and for their rehabilitation.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday told Legislative Assembly that the State has, till date, received 25 per cent surplus rains, resulting in havoc in several parts of the State, damaging houses, agricultural fields, infrastructure like roads, bridges. “Villages in Pernem, Bicholim, Canacona, Bardez, have witnessed heavy flooding, with as many as 150-odd families being evacuated and rehabilitated to a safer site,” he said.
Sawant said that directions have been issued to the Deputy Collectors and Mamlatdars to assess the damage and submit report. “It will take at least three-four days to ascertain the exact quantum of loss. We would approach the Centre for compensation funds to provide relief to the affected families, including farmers,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that until then, necessary financial help would be provided to the affected parties through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and under the State Disaster Management. “I appeal all the people and the private companies to contribute towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and provide helping hands to the affected people,” he stated.
The Chief Minister said that the heavy rains are expected to continue for the next two days, and with the high tide, and opening up of all gates of major dams like that of Tillari, the flood-like situation will continue at least till Friday
afternoon. He said the flooding was major after water from the Tillari Irrigation Project was released due to heavy rains in the catchment areas of Maharashtra.
He said the village of Sal in Bicholim, Tivim in Bardez, Ibrahmpur and Belapur in Pernem, were worst affected as several houses were inundated with water.
“The situation is expected to be under control in the next two-three days,” he said, urging the people not to risk their lives by driving in areas where there is flooding or landslides.
Sawant informed the House that officers from the departments of fire, health, police, electricity and WRD are on their toes for last few days and working overnight.
Sawant was speaking during the Zero Hour mention by BJP MLA Dayanand Sopte and Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte, who pointed out the growing worry amongst the people due to repeated flooding. The MLAs pointed out that the rains has caused landslides and floods in many parts of the State and neighbouring districts, affecting the supply of vegetables and milk.
Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat urged the government to prepare a detailed report, along with pictures of the flood situation, and seek for a financial help from the Center.
MGP MLA Ramakrishna Dhavalikar and BJP MLA Glen Ticlo also spoke about seeking funds from center. “A rough estimate shows that the loss will not be less than Rs 500 crore, as not just the houses and agricultural fields are damaged but also roads and bridges have washed away,” Dhavalikar said.
