TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
MAYEM: Heavy rains paralysed life in the talukas of Sattari and Bicholim on Wednesday, with the Bicholim Disaster Management Cell closely monitoring the situation in view of rising water levels at the dams and rivers.
The market in Bicholim took a deserted look even though Wednesday was the Bazaar Da, as most vendors were reluctant to sell their goods due to the heavy downpour and possibility of flooding in the market.
The Anjunem Dam in Keri-Sattari and Amathane Dam in Amathane Bicholim have been filled to their capacity and Bicholim Deputy Collector Narayan Gaad has directed the Bicholim Disaster Management Cell to remain on high alert to help villagers in case of any emergency.
“Water level at the Anjunem Dam touched the 92.4 mtr mark and authorities opened all four gates to release the excess water during low tide,” said Executive Engineer of Anjunem Dam M P Hudedgaddi, adding that villagers from Keri and surrounding areas have been asked to be on high alert.
WRD engineers and others members of Disaster Management Cell are continuously monitoring the situation to keep a watch on the water levels in the area.
Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal, Deputy Speaker Anant Shet and Sanquelim MLA Dr Pramod Sawant also visited flood-prone areas on Wednesday to take stock of the situation.
The Amathane Dam has reached its full capacity of 50.09 metres and additional water has been overflowing into the Par River at Nanora. As a result of increased water levels, residents in Latambarcem, Sal, Menkurem, Advalpal and Pirna villages have been asked to be on their guard.
WRD Assistant Engineer P V Sreekumar informed that all doors of the Bandhara at the Chapora River have been opened to control the water level.
“There has been massive soil erosion along the banks of the Chapora River due to torrential rains,” he added.
Meanwhile, 12 trees got uprooted in different parts of Bicholim taluka on Wednesday and the fire services had a busy time clearing the uprooted trees.
