Residents blame poor drainage for flooding
FIRST RAIN, SAME PAIN: Motorists wade through a flooded stretch of road in Cunchelim last week after the season’s first shower, as the area once again grapples with its annual monsoon ordeal.
MAPUSA
Every year, as the monsoon clouds gather over Goa, the residents of Cunchelim in Mapusa brace themselves—not just for rain, but for chaos.
Just one heavy spell is enough to flood a crucial stretch of road in the area, turning it into a waterlogged nightmare for motorists and pedestrians alike. Not to forget the problems the local residents have to endure.
Despite repeated assurances and visits by local leaders, civic officials and the Public Works Department (PWD), the problem persists – and is getting worse.
“This has become an annual feature. We’re not surprised anymore, just disappointed. The authorities come, they inspect, they nod in agreement, but then nothing ever changes,” says local resident Ashok Naik, pointing toward the inundated road near his home.
One of the primary reasons behind the increasing severity of the flooding, locals say, is unregulated construction in the area.
Several new buildings have come up in recent years, but the supporting infrastructure – particularly stormwater drainage – has not kept pace.
“There is absolutely no drainage system here. Where is the rainwater supposed to go? It just sits on the road, mixed with garbage and filth. We feel abandoned,” says a school teacher requesting anonymity.
Once the road floods, vehicles are forced to wade through stagnant, dirty water, damaging engines and causing massive traffic snarls.
Locals also point to a now-plugged outlet as one of the reasons for the worsening situation. Until a few years ago, rainwater would drain through an opening in a compound wall of a nearby private property. But the owner has since blocked the passage.
“The water used to flow out from here into the open private property. After the owner sealed the opening, the water has nowhere to go. It just collects on the road and stays there,” another local in the area explained.
Drainage fixed, flooding woes to end: Councillor
MAPUSA: Local councillor Anand Bhaidkar said the waterlogging issue on the frequently flooded road stretch in Cunchelime has been addressed, with the necessary work completed just two days ago. He assured that the problem would not recur even during intense rainfall. “A solution has been worked out. Three holes have been dug on the side of the road to allow rainwater to drain out efficiently,” Bhaidkar said.
The councillor credited local MLA Joshua D’Souza for playing a key role in resolving the issue.
“The MLA was instrumental in securing an order from the Collector, which allowed for the necessary digging to create a drainage path,” he added.
The move brings a sense of relief to local residents and motorists.
However, while the intervention is a welcome development, locals remain cautiously optimistic. It remains to be seen whether the new drainage measure will hold up under the first major downpour of the season.
