Locals allege poor maintenance, illegal sewage discharge, lack of action despite repeated complaints ahead of monsoon
MONSOON ALERT: Garbage lies strewn inside a Nullah near Sai Temple in Cunchelim, Mapusa, as residents raise concerns over poor drainage maintenance and the risk of flooding ahead of the monsoon season.
MAPUSA
Concerns over alleged poor maintenance of drainage infrastructure have surfaced in the Cunchelim area of Mapusa near the Sai Temple, with local residents warning of possible waterlogging and flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
Residents claim that a nearby Nullah meant to channel rainwater has been choked with garbage and debris, raising fears that heavy rainfall in the coming days could lead to severe water accumulation in the locality.
Locals have alleged that repeated complaints to the Mapusa Municipal Council and the concerned ward representatives have failed to yield any concrete action.
According to residents, the blocked drainage channel plays a crucial role in carrying rainwater during the monsoon.
They fear that if immediate desilting and cleaning measures are not undertaken, the area could face flood-like conditions.
“Garbage is scattered all over near the Nullah which carries rainwater during the monsoon. There is a spring further down, and during heavy rains the water flows through this Nullah and eventually reaches the spring,” said social worker, Shitesh More.
Residents have also alleged that some nearby commercial establishments are illegally releasing sewage water into the Nullah, further worsening the sanitation and environmental concerns in the area.
Locals say the situation poses both a public health risk and a threat to surrounding residential properties.
The residents further accused local councillor Anand Bhaidkar of failing to initiate timely measures to clear the Nullah and maintain the surrounding area, despite several complaints from the community.
With the State government and local administrations currently focusing on monsoon preparedness across the state, residents of Cunchelim are demanding urgent intervention from civic authorities.
They have called for immediate cleaning of the drainage channel, strict action against illegal sewage discharge, and long-term preventive measures to avoid waterlogging during the peak monsoon period.
Locals have warned that unless swift action is taken, the area could witness serious flooding and unhygienic conditions once heavy rains begin.
