BICHOLIM
Heavy rains have disrupted life in Bicholim taluka since Sunday. Water levels at the Valvati river in Bicholim rose to five-and-half metres while level at the Sankhali river rose to three-and-half metres, prompting authorities to start pumping operations at Sankhali. Water levels also rose at the the Nanora river and the Chapora river at Sal.
Trees got uprooted in some places like Narvem, Mayem and Virdi, with fire fighters at work to remove the obstructions.
Bicholim Mamlatdar Laxmikant Kuttikar said the Water Resources Department, the Disaster Management Cell and Bicholim Mamlatdar's office is monitoring the situation and no major damage has been reported.
"Plates and gates have been opened at all river embankments in Bicholim taluka. WRD officers and the mamlatdar have jointly inspected various places and have taken precautionary measures," Kuttikar said.
Kuttikar said there is no danger in areas like Sal, Menkurem, Dhumacem, Sankhali and Bicholim as the situation is under control.
“All talathis in the taluka have been ordered to take necessary security and vigilance in the panchayat areas,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bicholim taluka received 185 mms of rainfall between Sunday and Monday evening.
According to officials, there has been less rainfall so far as compared to the same period last year. Last year, 1,392 mm of rainfall was recorded till July 4, while 946 mm of rainfall has been recorded till Monday.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetty and Mayem MLA Premendra Shet said they constantly reviewing the overall rainfall situation.
