MAPUSA
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has urged the State government to address the recurring problem of flooding on Paroda roads during the monsoon season, emphasising the need for a permanent solution to alleviate hardships faced by commuters.
Alemao raised the issue during the Zero Hour session in the Legislative Assembly, criticising the lack of effective measures taken by the government thus far.
“The government has not taken concrete steps to resolve this perennial issue. It is imperative to raise the height of the Paroda Bridge and conduct a thorough study, possibly through institutions like the National Institute of Oceanography, to identify a lasting solution,” Alemao asserted.
He pointed out that despite previous road heightening efforts undertaken last year, the flooding has persisted this monsoon season.
“The road needs to be elevated by at least 100 cm to mitigate the severe flooding that disrupts travel towards Margao and inundates the Quepem road,” Alemao emphasised, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Alemao also drew attention to safety concerns, noting the collapse of bridge railings under pressure from the Kushavati River, posing risks to public safety.
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa pointed out that the road also affects his constituency and requested the government to find a lasting solution to the flooding problem in the area.
In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured immediate attention to the safety of the bridge but expressed scepticism regarding the effectiveness of solely raising road heights.
“Simply increasing the road height may not offer a lasting solution. We must explore alternative approaches,” said Sawant, who is also the PWD Minister.
Sawant pledged the government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions, acknowledging the urgency of the matter to ensure the safety and convenience of citizens.
