the goan I network
BICHOLIM
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Sal-Bicholim on Thursday morning along with Speaker Rajesh Patnekar to take stock of the flood-affected areas and to review relief measures in progress.
The release of excess water from the Tillari Dam has led to water flooding several homes in Sal and Mencurem villages.
While taking stock of the situation and reviewing relief measures in progress, Sawant appealed to people not to panic and to avoid rumours.
Sawant said he had contacted Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar in the matter and said Maharashtra would take necessary precautions regarding the dam water.
“However, this is not in the hands of the government as the rainfall has been very heavy. We will, however, provide all help and financial assistance to those who suffered damages to their property and plantations,” said the chief minister.
“We have directed the disaster special force to evacuate people to safer places,” he added.
Many of the evacuated people were shifted to the Panchayat Hall at Sal. One
family was trapped on the second floor as water had submerged the first floor of their house and they were evacuated by rescue teams.
The has also been severe destruction to crops and plantations in Mencurem. The chief minister directed authorities to prepare a detailed report of the damages and assured assistance to the affected farmers.
The situation was equally grim in Mencurem as water from the overflowing Chapora River entered many houses, causing extensive damage to property, stated ZP member Sanjay Shetye.
Meanwhile, the situation in Sakhali and Bicholim was under control on Thursday, with authorities pumping out water at Sakhali in a 24-hour operation following a sharp rise in the Valvanti River.
Anjunen Dam authorities have been releasing excess water through all four gates and situation is being monitored regularly by officers at the site.
Speaker Rajesh Patnekar also visited the flood-affected villages in Bicholim and assured all help to the affected families.
