Acting on these directions, the Water Resources Department has begun desilting rivers and drainage channels across Bicholim taluka. The work was formally launched at Kudnem in the presence of Sarpanch Damodar Petkar.
Among those present were Water Resources Department officer Vinod Bhandari, panchayat members Rajan Faldkar, Vivek Parab, Deepika Naik, Subhash Malik, Dashrath Naik, contractor Tanajirao Desai, and other dignitaries.
Bicholim taluka experiences flooding in several areas each year due to heavy rainfall. To address this, desilting of rivers and drains in vulnerable zones is undertaken annually. Officials confirmed that similar works will be carried out this year across the Mayem, Bicholim, and Sanquelim constituencies.
The Chief Minister also directed that emergency control rooms remain fully operational, with adequate staff, vehicles, and essential materials ready to respond to any crisis. He emphasized that all systems are being prepared to effectively manage potential flood situations.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye has reviewed desilting plans with concerned departments for both municipal and panchayat areas, with a detailed assessment scheduled soon. Drain cleaning has already begun in the town, with progress under close supervision.
Pre-monsoon preparedness was also reviewed during a Sanquelim Municipal Council meeting. Chairperson Siddhi Prabhu and Deputy Chairperson Dayanand Boryekar stated that instructions have been issued to clean drains, remove silt from nullahs, and address waterlogging-prone areas.
Mayem MLA Premendra Shet said he has taken up the issue with the Water Resources Department to ensure timely completion of works in flood-prone areas within his constituency.
Pre-monsoon activities are being accelerated across Kudnem, Sanquelim, Bicholim, Pilgao, and surrounding areas through coordinated efforts of the Water Resources Department, panchayats, and municipal bodies. Authorities have stressed the need for timely completion to minimize flood risks.
