Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently stated that much of the current flooding and other rain-related incidents are due to the enhanced scale of development in the State and man-made causes. He stated that traditional drains and ways for the storm water to flow have been blocked with dumping of mud. Sawant also blamed local bodies -- municipalities and panchayats -- for doing very little for the upkeep of the traditional drains and nullahs; despite the funds being allocated to them. I would like to remind the Chief Minister that he made similar statements in past also, one story of Guirim found dated 3 years ago i.e. July 16, 2021 in Guirim and I am sure the CM's team can verify this fact. Despite the CM being aware of this major issue years back, what has been done by himself and his concerned ministers in the jumbo Goa Cabinet to mitigate the issue? And then against all logical/scientific advice the Goa government itself proceeds with destructive development eg. Tolleaband in Benaulim where the Sawant government proceeded with its plans and we can see the devastating results in Benaulim.
