The tender for the project is expected to be floated by the weekend
MAPUSA
The Water Resources Department (WRD) is set to commence an extensive desilting and widening project for the Mapusa River, also known as Tar River, at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore.
The tender for the project is expected to be floated by the weekend.
WRD Chief Engineer Pramod Badami stated that the project includes the development of bundhs and the widening of nullahs by over 30 per cent along a 7.6 km stretch from Guirim to the Tar bridge.
The scope of work also includes the installation of sluice gates and a pumping station in the low-lying areas.
“The widening of nullahs will ensure that floodwaters remain within the designated channels, preventing overflow and potential flooding in Guirim and surrounding areas during the monsoon,” Badami explained.
The State government has already approved the flood control project for the Tar River, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant allocating funds for the initiative in the last budget.
“We expect to issue the tender by the weekend,” Badami added.
Beyond the Tar bridge, the desilting work will be undertaken by the Navigation Department.
Meanwhile, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) recently sought clarification from the Captain of Ports regarding the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for the Mapusa River desilting project.
The authority pointed out that the study lacks baseline data on air and water quality.
Furthermore, the GCZMA raised concerns over the proposed clearing of bushes and trees in areas with dense mangrove vegetation, warning that such activities could destabilize the riverbeds.
Addressing these concerns, Badami clarified that the desilting project is divided into two sections.
“One portion falls within the saline zone, where environmental regulations apply and is being handled by the Captain of Ports. WRD is responsible for the freshwater side,” he said.
The WRD will focus on the stretch from Socorro and Guirim junction down to the Tar bridge, an area that experiences severe flooding.
The project aims to mitigate monsoon-related waterlogging and enhance water flow efficiency in the region.
