MARGAO: With large swathes of
land disappearing under rainwater at Sao Jose de Areal, residents complained of
overflowing drains and water entering their homes on Saturday.
Residents of Sao Jose de Areal have alleged that the village
panchayat failed to carry out proper and timely works to desilt, clean and
excavate the drains. A local, Menino Fernandes told Herald that he has been
imploring the panchayat to execute the pre-monsoon works, but his pleas were
ignored. Even the Block Development Officer (BDO) had issued a memorandum in
this regard much before the village panchayat was dissolved by the government.
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“The Sao Jose de Areal Village Panchayat failed to
perform their duties as a result of which the property of the villagers were
damaged on account of heavy rainfall. Sonum Township has become an ocean as
there is no provision for the storm water to flow,” he stated. “The roads and
open spaces are littered with garbage bags emanating foul odour and after the
flood, garbage has accumulated on the sides of the roads,” he
