MLA raised concerns of Valvanti flooding
MAPUSA
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar has assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that the State will undertake desilting of major rivers, including the Mhadei River, to prevent monsoon flooding.
Shirodkar's statement came in response to concerns raised by Mayem MLA Premendra Shet about the recent flooding of the Valvanti River.
Shet highlighted that the Valvanti River overflowed twice this year, on July 7 and August 7, causing significant disruption and necessitating the relocation of affected residents.
He attributed the flooding to the lack of desilting and questioned the government's preventive measures.
Shirodkar explained that Goa experienced record rainfall in July, which led to the overflowing of the Valvanti River.
He acknowledged that parts of the river had been desilted six years ago but noted that the desilting efforts were hindered this year due to the Lok Sabha election code of conduct.
“We will send our teams to conduct a survey in November-December and, if necessary, commence desilting at crucial points of major rivers, including the Mhadei River, from January 2025 onwards,” Shirodkar said.
He also urged residents not to use rivers and nullahs as dumping grounds, highlighting that such practices contribute to siltation.
“Rivers and nullahs are not dumping grounds. People have a habit to cut trees and branches and throwing it into the river,” he said.
Shet emphasised the need for immediate desilting of the Valvanti River and urged the government to prioritise this work.
Shirodkar confirmed that a proposal for the desilting and construction of a retaining wall for the Valvanti River had been received and that estimates for the desilting work near the Sanquelim bandhara are being prepared.
The implementation of these plans is scheduled for after the monsoon season.
Shirodkar also clarified that the Valvanti River has not exceeded the danger level of 6.20 meters in the past five years.
He noted that inundation issues have been reported in low-lying areas of Karapur villages due to high tides and water levels but assured that there have been no reports of flooding affecting houses or shops.
The minister stated that a survey of the Valvanti River and its problem areas would be completed by December, with desilting operations set to begin in January.
