Officials told to identify waterlogging hotspots, suggest remedial measures
MARGAO
Additional South Goa Collector Srinet Kothwale (pictured below) on Monday issued directions to Margao Municipal officials to conduct urgent ward-wise inspections of flood-prone and waterlogging-prone areas and submit a comprehensive monsoon preparedness compliance report.
After taking over the reins of the Margao Municipal Council as 
Administrator on Monday, Kothwale issued another order directing officials to supervise, monitor and expedite pre-monsoon desilting and drainage maintenance works within the municipal jurisdiction.
Kothwale issued directions to the Grade-III Municipal engineers to undertake a comprehensive ward-wise field inspection of their respective wards and areas under their charge to identify all flood-prone, waterlogging-prone, low-lying and vulnerable locations within their respective wards and submit a detailed inventory.
The engineers have been further directed to inspect all major and minor drains, culverts, storm-water channels, cross-drainage structures, roadside drains, natural watercourses and other vulnerable points requiring immediate intervention.
“Assess the adequacy of the existing drainage infrastructure and recommend suitable short-term and long-term remedial measures for preventing flooding and water stagnation.”
They have been further told to prepare a ward-wise action plan clearly indicating the name and precise location of each vulnerable spot; the nature and extent of the problem; the present status of the site; proposed remedial measures; and estimated manpower, machinery and material requirements.
The administrator has warned that concerned officers shall be personally responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information furnished and the timely identification of vulnerable locations.
Kothwale told The Goan that civic officials have been told to identify critical flood-prone, waterlogging-prone and vulnerable locations and accord priority to desilting, cleaning and remedial operations at such locations. “We have told the officials to maintain ward-wise records of the works carried out, supported by geo-tagged photographs taken before commencement and after completion of each work,” he said.
He added: “Since the monsoons are fast approaching, I have decided to lay stress on monsoon preparedness so that the city does not face any major issues during the rains.”
