WRD to build flood bunds, sluice gates; project also entails embankments, desilting; to kick off from June 13
HOPE FOR A NEGLECTED RIVER: The heavily silted and weed-choked Tar River in Mapusa is set for a major revival as the government launches a long-awaited improvement project.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
In a major step to tackle annual flooding in Mapusa and nearby areas, the State government is set to launch a Rs 46.52 crore river improvement project for the Mapusa River.
The project, spearheaded by the Water Resources Department (WRD), aims to desilt, widen, and strengthen the 4.5-km stretch of the river from Guirim to the National Highway bridge at Tar junction.
The foundation stone for the ambitious project will be laid on June 13, with M/s Bagkiya Construction Pvt Ltd entrusted with executing the work, expected to be completed within 300 days.
Key components of the project include the desilting and widening of the riverbed to enhance water-carrying capacity and ensure smooth discharge of monsoon runoff.
Flood embankment bunds will be constructed on both riverbanks using earth and moorum to contain tidal surges and high floodwaters.
Further, sluice and flap gates are proposed to be installed at 200-metre intervals on both sides of the river.
These gates will automatically close during high tides to regulate water inflow and protect surrounding areas from backflow flooding.
To reinforce the riverbanks, the project also includes construction of a composite flood protection wall made of concrete and laterite boulder masonry. In addition, a sluice gate structure will be installed to isolate floodwaters from the Guirim catchment area from the main river channel.
A high-capacity pumping system will be introduced to manage excess water. This includes pumps with a discharge capacity of 3,000 cubic metres per hour, a 320 KVA DG set, pump house, control panels, pipelines, and other necessary infrastructure.
Speaking on the long-pending initiative, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira said, “This demand has been raised for several years with many ministers and MLAs inspecting the site and giving assurances, but no action was taken. The neglect had turned the river into a health hazard and an environmental threat for residents living along the banks.”
The WRD hopes that the comprehensive project will finally address the long-standing issues of flooding and stagnation while restoring the ecological health of the river.
