MARGAO
Another day passed without the promised shelter taking shape for beleaguered retired Home Guard Vimal Shirodkar, whose house collapsed last Sunday morning.
In an effort to help, concerned citizens led by Congress’ Savio Coutinho and authorities instructed by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat attempted to erect the structure, but faced setbacks.
On Wednesday morning, Coutinho and his team brought materials to the site to start building. However, before work could begin, officials from the taluka mamlatdar and police arrived and instructed them to halt. They informed the workers that authorities had taken responsibility for the construction.
Workers hired by Coutinho left after authorities stationed two policemen to ensure only authorised rebuilding efforts proceeded.
By afternoon, a video from Vimal went viral, expressing her desire for the structure initiated by concerned citizens. Displaced since her house collapsed, Vimal urged completion of the shelter so she could return home.
“Coutinho and others started rebuilding my house. Please let the work continue without interruption,” she appealed.
Salcete Mamlatdar Prataprao Gaonkar confirmed authorities would take over, funded by Disaster Management sanctions from the Margao Deputy Collector. “Work will commence immediately to prioritise completing the shelter,” Gaonkar assured.
Questions raised over disaster management’s promptness
MARGAO: With the Disaster Management authorities swiftly sanctioning funds to rebuild the collapsed house of retired Home Guard Vimal Shirodkar, questions arise about their promptness in addressing other recent house collapses due to monsoon rains.
This question assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of a couple of houses that have collapsed in Salcete and outside in the last few days due to the incessant rains. The question also assumes significance since the authorities moved with urgency concerning Vimal’s house after concerned citizens led by Congress leaders tried to help.
In contrast, BJP MLA Digambar Kamat and Councilor Mahesh Amonkar have also pressed for proactive measures to expedite the rebuilding of Vimal’s house using Disaster Management funds.
