Severe flooding at Gandhi Market and many other parts of Margao, including the entrance to the South Goa District Hospital, has brought life to a standstill, triggering widespread complaints from local vendors, residents, and patients alike.
The lack of proper drainage and pre-monsoon preparedness by the Margao Municipal Council has come under sharp criticism.
With relentless rain on Wednesday, water accumulated across Gandhi Market, deterring people from accessing essential services and daily provisions. Vendors say their businesses have been hit hard as customers are avoiding the area due to the inconvenience.
“It’s impossible to walk through the market. Customers are just staying away,” said one shopkeeper, adding that some shops have remained shut due to the waterlogging.
Rajendra Azgaonkar, President of the Gandhi Market Vendors’ Association, blamed the Margao Municipality for neglecting necessary pre-monsoon de-silting and stormwater drainage works. “The flooding in both the market and residential homes is proof of the civic body’s failure. Every year we face this, and yet no steps are taken,” he said.
Residents and traders alike criticised what they called “unplanned urban infrastructure”, pointing out that blocked drains, poor waste management, and unchecked construction are turning every spell of rain into a disaster.
Residents are equally distressed. Rashmita Shirodkar, a resident living in the Gandhi Market area, said, “We are unable to even stand inside our houses. The water level is so high that it’s entered our homes.” She added that the situation has become unbearable over the past two days, especially with basic facilities like public toilets remaining closed, further compounding the problem for locals.
Adding to the crisis, the entrance of the South Goa District Hospital—just a short distance from the market—has also been severely flooded. Visitors and patients arriving at the hospital are struggling to wade through ankle-deep water. Locals pointed out that there is no proper route for rainwater to flow into the nearby nullah, resulting in stagnant water and chaos at a crucial public facility.
They have now urged authorities to act immediately to clear the flooded areas and ensure such a situation is not repeated. “This is not just about inconvenience—it’s about health, safety, and basic dignity,” said one resident angrily.