Move follows last year’s waterlogging
MAPUSA
Learning from last year’s heavy monsoon, which left parts of Mapusa waterlogged and disrupted daily life, the Mapusa Municipal Council has decided to set up a dedicated task force to handle emergencies during the coming rainy season.
Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza said the move aims to ensure a quick response to flooding and other monsoon-related problems.
“We have decided to form a task force to deal with any issues during the monsoon. In case of an emergency, the team will reach the spot quickly and handle the situation,” he said.
The decision was taken at a review meeting called by D’Souza, along with acting chairperson Prakash Bhivshet and councillors. Key civic officials, including assistant engineers, junior engineers and heads of departments, attended the meeting to review preparedness ahead of the rains.
Officials said desilting work has already started in vulnerable areas, especially the Mapusa market and Khorlim.
Bhivshet added that the council has asked the Water Resources Department to carry out desilting of major nullahs across the town to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
D’Souza also said that ongoing pipeline work by the water department in some areas is expected to be completed by May 15 to avoid disruption during the monsoon.
He identified the Usapnagar junction in Khorlim as a major flood-prone spot.
“All necessary steps will be taken to ensure there is no flooding there this year,” he said, adding that encroachments affecting drainage in the area have been identified and action will be taken to remove them.
The move is part of a wider effort by the civic body to improve monsoon preparedness and prevent a repeat of last year’s situation, when heavy rain flooded several parts of Mapusa and caused hardship to residents and traders.
