Heavy overnight rainfall left several houses inundated and roads submerged in Ghadiwada, Curchorem, exposing what residents describe as the continuing failure of the area's drainage infrastructure.
Many residents complained that rainwater entered their homes early in the morning, damaging household belongings and parked vehicles.
According to locals, the problem has persisted year after year despite development works undertaken in the area.
"This happens every year. Last year, some work was carried out, but nothing was done to solve our problem. Instead, our streetlights were damaged during the work, and no proper drainage system has been constructed," a resident complained.
Residents also criticised the Public Works Department (PWD) and other authorities for their alleged failure to provide an effective outlet for natural rainwater.
The Ghadiwada stretch, which serves as a major link for commuters travelling towards Cacora and Quepem, remained waterlogged following the heavy rains.
With houses and commercial establishments lining both sides of the road, the flooding caused considerable inconvenience to residents, shopkeepers and motorists.
Villagers attributed the worsening situation to an inadequate drainage network.
Ongoing development works over the past two to three years have reportedly resulted in mud and debris clogging existing drains, preventing rainwater flowing down from nearby fields from draining away efficiently. As a result, water accumulates rapidly during heavy rainfall and spills into residential properties.
Residents have appealed to authorities to ensure that proper drains are constructed on both sides of the road as part of ongoing infrastructure projects. They warned that if the current situation persists, continuous monsoon rains could cause even greater damage in the coming weeks.
