BICHOLIM
The Valvanti River began to overflow and a number of low-lying areas in Sanquelim were inundated on Saturday morning, after heavy rains and rising water levels prompted authorities to open all four gates of the Anjunem dam.
Residents became alarmed as water entered many low-lying areas, but authorities deployed pumps to clear water from the affected areas.
The Water Resources Department's emergency control room was on high alert, and the situation was under control by Saturday afternoon.
With water level of the Anjunem dam rising above 93 metres, all four gates of the dam were opened to release excess water, which led to rising level in the Bicholim and Valvanti rivers.
Water level at the Amthane dam had also increased and with water filling up to 49 metres, there is a possibility of additional water being released from the weir in a few days.
While WRD officials were monitoring the situation, Bicholim Mamlatdar Shailendra Desai said he has directed the talathis to review the damage to property.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had directed the emergency control rooms to be on alert, while Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye and Mayem MLA Premendra Shet also instructed the fire services, emergency control room, and WRD to take necessary measures.
However, water levels receded by Saturday afternoon, and the situation was under control
Elsewhere, the Bicholim fire station attended to a number of calls in different parts of Bicholim, which included clearing of uprooted trees and other relief work.
