Water levels dangerously high in dams and rivers
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
MAYEM/ PANJIM: A red alert has been sounded in villages of Bicholim and Sattari talukas, after heavy rains led to a steep rise in water levels at the dams and river in the area. The Disaster Management Cell of Bicholim Taluka has also been put on high alert to respond to any emergency and people have been warned to be vigilant.
Water levels have risen sharply at the Anjune Dam at Keri-Sattari, the Amathane Dam in Bicholim and the Valvanti River in Sanquelim.
Authorities have opened all the four gates of Anjune dam as water level rose to 91.9 metres on Tuesday, to release the excess water and lower the water level to bring it below the danger mark.
In Sanquelim, the Valwanti River also rose substantially and authorities used all four lift irrigation pumps to prevent water from flooding the market area.
Authorities have alerted residents of five villages in Bicholim taluka as well as Keri-Sattari and surrounding areas to be on their guard in view of rising water levels in their areas.
Bicholim Mamlatdar Gurudas Desai stated that a Disaster Management Cell from Bicholim Taluka is on high alert to respond to any emergency situation in their area.
Authorities had opened two gates of the Anjune Dam on Monday, but as water levels continued to rise sharply due to heavy rains, the remaining two gates were also opened on Tuesday afternoon.
“Water level at the Amathane Dam in Bicholim has also crossed the 50-metre mark and the last water level recorded was 50.05 metres. Residents of Sal, Menkurem, Latambarcem, Pirna and Advalpal villages in Bicholim Taluka have been asked to be on high alert,” informed WRD Assistant Engineer P V Sreekumar.
Bicholim taluka recorded a rainfall of 88 mm in the last 24 hours, while the total rainfall recorded is 2864 mm.
“In Sanquelim, the Valwanti River has also increased and as a result, all four lift irrigation pumps were used in order to stop water from entering the market area,” said WRD Junior Engineer K P Naik.
At Bicholim, another lift irrigation pump was used in the evening to control the water from coming into the market and residential area.
Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy showers accompanied by strong winds occurred on Tuesday inconveniencing people and creating traffic snarls. A total of 66 mm (3 inches) of rainfall was received in previous 33 hours took the total rainfall tally in the State to over 71 inches, which is 10 inches above normal, during the current monsoon season so far.
Water logging was witnessed in various parts of Panjim. The Met department has issued heavy rainfall warning for next 24 hours.
Heavy rains, resulted in many low-lying areas of the city getting inundated which has become a routine affair. Traffic jam was reported many points in the city.
The fishermen have also been asked not to venture into the sea for next 24-hours due to rough weather.
“Winds will be mainly Westerly with wind speed 45 – 50 kmph temporarily reaching 60 kmph in gust. Sea will be rough with Westerly waves. Fishermen are advised not to go out into the sea during next 24 hours,” Met department communiqué says.
