MARGAO
The South Goa District Disaster Management Authority has finally stepped in following the inundation of many areas in Margao and Fatorda due to the non-cleaning and de-silting of drains and nullahs by the concerned agencies.
Invoking powers under Section 33 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, District Collector and Chairperson of the Disaster Management Authority Egna Cleetus has directed the Executive Engineer, PWD Division VI, Fatorda Goa to immediately initiate and ensure the timely completion of the cleaning of all drains and cross-drains at road crossings within the jurisdiction of Margao and Fatorda areas.
Similar directions have been issued to the Executive Engineer, WRD Division II, Rawanfond Margao Goa, to immediately initiate and complete the cleaning of nullahs, water bodies, and traditional waterways in the Margao and Fatorda areas.
“These activities must be commenced forthwith and completed within a period of seven days from the date of issue of this order, with a view to mitigate flooding and waterlogging during the monsoon season,” the Collector said, while directing the concerned departments to submit a compliance report to the District Disaster Management Authority upon completion of the said works. Non-compliance with this order shall attract penal consequences as prescribed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, she warned.
“The pre-monsoon condition in the jurisdiction of Margao and Fatorda of Salcete taluka has revealed the accumulation of silt, waste, and other obstructions in drains, cross-drains, culverts, and roadside gutters, posing a serious risk of waterlogging and urban flooding during the upcoming monsoon season. It is imperative to undertake immediate preventive measures to ensure the free flow of rainwater and avert any potential disaster, in the interest of public safety and well-being,” the Collector stated.
“The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for the State of Goa, forecasting intense rainfall and associated weather conditions over the coming days. This alert is a matter of serious concern, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall, gusty winds and potential disruptions to public services,” she added.
Meanwhile, in another order, the District Disaster Management Authority has directed Water Resources Department officials to immediately undertake the cleaning of the drains and desilting of the nullahs in Ward VI, Layamati area of Davorlim village. Directions have been issued to ensure that all necessary preventive measures are implemented within two (2) days from the date of issuance of this order.
