As monsoon rains batter Goa, a storm of criticism is brewing—not just over the weather, but over the absence of key government officials at a time of heightened flood risk and dam safety concerns.
Several senior engineers tasked with overseeing Goa’s water infrastructure are currently away attending a week-long training programme at the National Water Academy in Pune. Among them are the Superintending Engineer for Goa and two Engineers responsible for major dams, including the Amthane dam, where crucial gate installation work has just begun. The state-sponsored training runs from May 26 to June 1.
While the programme is acknowledged as important for professional development, its timing has drawn sharp criticism. With the monsoon in full swing, officials stress that the physical presence of these senior engineers is vital for real-time monitoring and response, particularly in managing water levels and supervising ongoing works.
The situation is further aggravated by the concurrent leisure trip of nine Mapusa Municipal Council councillors to Dubai, leaving both technical and civic leadership conspicuously absent during a critical period. This overlap has fueled public concern and raised questions about administrative judgment.
In response, the Water Resources Department (WRD) is reassessing the scheduling and necessity of such outstation trips. A senior Secretariat official confirmed that a review is underway to evaluate the cost, purpose, and outcomes of these assignments, with a report expected soon. The department is also exploring a rotational training model to prevent staffing gaps during emergencies.
Currently, substitute officers are managing dam safety operations, but officials acknowledge that senior expertise is irreplaceable when swift, informed decisions are needed.