Team Herald
PANJIM: The Congress party and social activists on Wednesday criticised the State government for its lack of preparedness ahead of the monsoon, stating that despite spending crores on disaster management, various parts of Goa were left submerged after two days of unseasonal rainfall.
In a statement, a Congress spokesperson said, “The rainfall has once again exposed the complete collapse of the BJP government’s disaster management machinery under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. It is shocking and shameful that despite spending hundreds of crores and conducting so-called ‘high-level meetings’, Goa was left helpless and paralysed within hours of rain.”
The spokesperson further alleged that the flooding across cities and villages was not a natural calamity but a man-made disaster caused by an “irresponsible, insensitive and corrupt BJP government that has repeatedly failed to provide even basic governance.”
“Drainage cleaning, disaster preparedness, and flood mitigation have been nothing but eyewash exercises for publicity. What we witnessed was the reality — waterlogging, overflowing gutters, stranded citizens, property damage, and absolutely no on-ground response from the authorities,” the spokesperson said.
“Government claims to have spent crores in the name of Smart City, cyclone preparedness, and monsoon readiness. If that is so, then where has that money gone?” the spokesperson demanded to know.
Holding Chief Minister Sawant and the BJP government directly responsible for the widespread suffering, the party demanded a white paper on the funds allocated and spent on disaster management and drainage works in the past five years. It also called for an independent audit by a reputed third-party agency of all public works and flood mitigation projects, immediate compensation to affected families, traders and households, and accountability from ministers and officials who failed to act despite early warnings.
“Goa needs a government that works for the people, not one that hides behind excuses. The BJP government has failed at every level, and the people of Goa are paying the price,” the spokesperson said.
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes criticised the state of the capital city, calling it an “Amphibian City”. “Because of the development that has come up, the drains are choked. Just look at the Smart City project. During the rainy season, you can swim through it. There is no vision, no focus, no planning by the Goa government. And who suffers? The taxpayers. This government is responsible for the flooding. Earlier, there was rain but no flooding. Now it’s happening because of this so-called unplanned development,” he said.
Social activist Anthony D’Silva said, “Unexpected rainfall has occurred in the State. It is like a mini monsoon. Those who are supposed to take precautionary measures have been caught unaware. By now, preparedness works should have been completed, but from the extent of waterlogging, it appears that not even 50 per cent of the work has been done.”
“There have been incidents of flooding in both villages and cities. Unimaginable destruction has taken place in Mapusa. I hope at least now the works will be completed as soon as possible,” he added.
Social activist Mariano Ferrao said, “The departments that claimed to be prepared after spending crores of rupees have been exposed. Flooding and waterlogging have been reported in many areas. This shows that the government and its officials have failed to carry out effective work. But these rains are just a trailer — the full picture is yet to come.”
Political analyst Trajano D’Mello echoed this view, “The pre-monsoon showers have been a disaster. No corner of Goa has been spared. I don’t know what will happen when the regular monsoon begins in a few weeks. The reason is simple. In the name of development, Goa has been destroyed. Catchment areas have been filled, constructions are coming up there, hills are being cut, and slopes are being flattened. In such a situation, where will the water go? The government claims it is ready with its disaster management team, but in reality, it creates the disaster and then fails to manage it. Will the Town and Country Planning Department now open its eyes and stop the cutting of trees and hills? Goans must stay alert.”