BICHOLIM
Tillari dam authorities on Thursday evening sounded sirens to alert citizens residing in the Tillari catchment area, as water levels rose in the dam.Locals have, however, accused the Tillari Water Resources Department of unnecessarily causing panic, since extra water had not been released into the river.
Due to heavy rains in Dodamarg taluka, the Tillari dam has crossed the 105.5 level and it is expected to rise and only then will water be released,” said sources.
Locals alleged that sirens were sounded at Parme, Ghotgewadi, Sateli Bhedshi, Kudase, Sasoli, Maneri and Vanoshi, causing alarm among the locals.
Incidentally, the Tillari WRD did not have its own vehicle and as a result, the siren was sounded with the help of a private vehicle.
On Thursday, rains continue heavily in the catchment area of Tillari Dam and excess water is likely to be released into the Chapora river.
The administration has instructed dam authorities in both states to keep in touch to prevent any danger in case of heavy rains, as there will be controlled discharge of water from the Tillari dam house into the river.
“Boats and other arrangements have been made. Our system is in good condition and there is no danger at present. We are controlling the situation,” said Bicholim Mamlatdar Laxmikant Kuttikar.
Deputy Collector Deepak Waingankar said authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Following a warning issued by Tillari Dam authorities to people in the Tillari catchment and Dodamarg area, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has instructed the emergency room in Bicholim taluka and in other cities to take precautionary measures in case of rising water levels.
When contacted, Tilari Konalkatta Sub-Divisional Officer Gajanan Buchade said the level of the dam was 105.50 and said excess water could be discharged on Friday.
“The level of the dam was highest on Thursday and hence people must understand the reason behind sounding the siren in order to keep them on alert,” said Buchade.
Former Sal Sarpanch Ghanshyam Raut has appealed to authorities in both states to keep in touch with each other to ensure that there is no danger to life and property.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye said all precautions should be taken because water levels in rivers across Bicholim taluka rise rapidly due to a sudden release of excess water.
