Civil society group Together for Mapusa (TFM) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the local administration and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, holding them responsible for the flooding witnessed in parts of the municipal market and the Cunchelim road during the first spell of moderate monsoon showers.
Addressing a news conference, TFM leaders alleged that the authorities had failed to undertake proper pre-monsoon works despite having sufficient time to prepare, as this year’s monsoon arrived later than usual.
TFM president Mahesh Rane said the delayed onset of the monsoon on May 22 had provided the administration with ample opportunity to complete drain-cleaning and other preventive measures.
“The monsoon was delayed and began only on June 22. This delay gave the authorities enough time to carry out pre-monsoon works, but the civic department still failed to get its act together,” Rane said.
Referring to the waterlogging witnessed in several lanes of the municipal market, with rainwater in some places reaching the footpaths, Rane said the flooding had exposed the inadequacies of the pre-monsoon exercise undertaken by the authorities.
He challenged the local leadership to hand over the responsibility of supervising the 350-odd workers engaged for pre-monsoon works to TFM, claiming the group would demonstrate how such work should be executed effectively.
The TFM members also highlighted the recurring flooding on the main road at Cunchelim, stating that the problem persisted despite drainage works carried out in the area and publicised by the local MLA.
TFM leader Kamat said D’Souza should accept responsibility for the situation.
“If the MLA can take credit for development works and post photographs on social media, he should also be prepared to accept criticism when the works fail. The flooding in the market and on the Cunchelim road points to poor workmanship and poor leadership,” he said.
Leaders Vijay Bhike and Yogesh Kelkar also blamed the MLA for the inundation and urged the administration to immediately rectify the shortcomings before heavier rains arrive.
Responding to questions on whether the civic administration should also be held accountable, TFM members agreed that officials share responsibility. However, they maintained that the MLA, as the political head overseeing local governance, bears greater accountability for the failure of the pre-monsoon preparations.
