Team Herald
PANJIM: Tuesday turned out to be the wettest day this monsoon as heavy rains led to flooding and traffic chaos in certain areas of Panjim. The 18th June road was the worst affected with water entering some of the business establishments.
Shop owners said that if the rains continue, the flooding would worsen and water entering the shops could damage products leading to losses.
A shop owner said, “It’s the same story every year. The minute it starts to pour heavily it causes flooding and CCP is not taking any steps to prevent such flooding.”
Locals told Herald that the main reason for flooding on 18th June Road is the failure of CCP to keep the drains clear of plastic and other garbage.
A resident of Panjim said, “The plastic waste strewn on the roadside blocks the gutters. The authorities should regularly clean the gutters during the rains.”
Vikram Govekar, another resident, said, “The same area has been flooding following heavy rain, but no action has been taken by the authorities.”
Locals further complained of traffic congestion on the roads following the heavy rain. “The city experienced sudden heavy spells of rainfall which led to flooding of roads,” said a local.
Efforts to contact the Panjim Mayor were unsuccessful as his phone was out of coverage area.
Meanwhile, Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services said the control room received 17 calls from Panjim and all were related to falling trees.
Speaking to Herald, Station Fire Officer S R Parrikar said, “There were 17 calls received from Panjim. All were about falling trees which were attended immediately. There was water-logging in some parts of the city. We received calls from Altinho, Taleigao, Merces, St Cruz, Boca de Vaca and Church Square.”
