Mud lines the road from Palmarinha Resort to Nagoa Dream Circle, and there is every possibility of flooding during the monsoon. Water-logging posed a great danger to life and property last year. This year it could be worse.
Though the GSIDC/PWD had constructed a retaining wall for the road, more mud and garbage is being dumped regularly along the road. The dumped mud has left no exit points for the rainwater, which accumulates on the road.
If it rains continuously for a day or two, the entire stretch from the restaurant near Palmarinha Resort to the Holy Cross Chapel will be flooded, and will be inconvenient for motorists and pedestrians. People from across Goa, especially those working in the many hotels or resorts in Calangute and Candolim, regularly use this road.
“The authorities should have removed the dumped mud all along the road leading to Calangute-Mapusa to avoid water-logging. Last year we faced difficulties while negotiating the road. This year it could be worse as there is mud dumped everywhere. Continuous downpour for a day or two will flood the entire road, giving heartbreak to the motorists, like me, who travel to Calangute-Candolim daily for work. I hope the authorities do something to avoid flooding in the days to come,” said Mahesh Palienkar.
“I have been a witness to the water-logging last year. People were walking in knee-deep waters, while motorists struggled to get their vehicles out from the water-logged areas. Everyone was aware of the water-logging and they should have taken extra care not to dump mud all along the road. The rains have just started. Once it starts pouring, the road will be flooded, making it difficult for everyone,” said Vincy D’Souza.
When contacted, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said, “We finished the road-widening works from the restaurant to Nagoa circle, but the people have been dumping mud and other waste material without our knowledge. Anyone comes and dumps mud either at night or odd hours. Few took advantage of the situation and dumped their waste material all along the road on regular basis, while others took the opportunity to fill up paddy fields. The people should co-operate and stop dumping mud or waste along the widened areas as it involves double work and extra cost. I will get the mud removed or make some alternate arrangements to avoid water-logging during the monsoons.”
