WRD installs pumps to prevent overflow from water-filled mining pits during rains
The mining pits at Pissurlem, where the WRD has installed pumps as a precautionary measure ahead of the monsoon season.
VALPOI
As a precautionary measure, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has installed pumping systems at Pissurlem to drain excess water from mining pits during the monsoon.
According to Valpoi WRD Assistant Engineer Satishkumar Sawant, the pumps will be operated whenever necessary to reduce the water level in the pits and ensure that nearby residents are not exposed to any danger due to overflowing water.
As per available information, mining pits hold massive quantities of water and during monsoon, these water-filled trenches often become highly dangerous for nearby habitations.
If the water level rises excessively, there is a possibility of overflow towards residential areas situated at lower elevations, potentially causing serious damage.
As part of emergency preparedness, pumps have now been installed at the site because water levels are expected to rise substantially during the rainy season. If the pits overflow, water could enter nearby houses and agricultural fields.
A few years ago, a similar situation had created severe problems in Pissurlem village, when muddy water entered many homes and fields.
To prevent such incidents from recurring, Sattari Deputy Collector Laxmikant Kurtikar had instructed the WRD to implement precautionary measures under the emergency management plan.
Following these directives, the department has currently installed two pumps at the site. Officials stated that the area will be monitored continuously, and dedicated staff have been deployed for this purpose. If the water level reaches a danger mark, the pumps will immediately be activated to drain excess water.
Assistant Engineer Satishkumar Sawant stated that water stored in the several large pits in Pissurlem consistently pose a threat to nearby settlements. Therefore, special precautions are being taken to avoid any serious mishap during the monsoon season.
When contacted, Sattari Deputy Collector Laxmikant Kurtikar said the WRD had been directed to install pumps as a preventive measure.
“Two pumps have already been deployed, and continuous monitoring will be carried out under the emergency management mechanism in coordination with the department,” said Kurtikar.
He assured that every effort would be made to prevent any serious situation and to ensure that water from mining pits does not pose a threat to public safety during the monsoon season.
