PANAJI
Even as rains lashed Goa, raising concerns about dam safety and flood preparedness, some of the senior officials responsible for overseeing the dams are away attending training programmes in Pune.
Official sources confirmed to The Goan that a Superintending Engineer, holding jurisdiction across Goa, and two Engineers who are in-charge of major dams including Amthane where the process for gate installation has just begun, are attending a week-long training at the National Water Academy in Pune. The programme, which began on May 26, is expected to conclude on June 1.
“The tours are sponsored by the State government,” a senior source confirmed. However, the source also pointed out that their physical presence in Goa was crucial at this time, especially with dam water levels needing close monitoring and project timelines demanding on-ground supervision.
The absence of these officers coincides with the leisure trip of nine councillors from the Mapusa Municipal Council to Dubai.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) has now reportedly decided to tighten the noose around repeated outstation trips by certain officers.
“We have noticed multiple ‘official tours’ from some officers, often for training purposes. We have received instructions to assess the frequency of such trips, their purpose, the cost on the exchequer and these trips’ outcome,” a senior official at the Secretariat said.
A report is expected to be submitted to higher authorities in the coming weeks. The department is also considering implementing a rotational plan for training to ensure crucial posts are manned during peak operational periods.
“For now, there are substitute officers to keep a check on the dam structure and other requirements,” the official added explaining that the presence of these experts are priority given that in the event of any calamity, the engineers have to guide the maintenance staff to undertake necessary measures and report to the department regarding the nature of the issue and steps taken.
