Goemakpronn desk
VASCO: In a proactive measure to tackle the persistent flooding issues at Orulem-Bellabai, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker, alongside Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, conducted a joint inspection with the Water Resources Department (WRD) yesterday. The inspection aimed to ensure the proper flow of drainage water in the affected areas and devise effective solutions to mitigate the problem.
During the inspection, the team assessed the current drainage systems and identified key areas where water stagnation has been a recurring problem. Girish Borker emphasized the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to prevent future flooding. “Ensuring the efficient flow of drainage water is crucial for the safety and well-being of our residents,” Borker stated.
MLA Krishna Salkar echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts between different departments to address the issue comprehensively. Speaking to the media, Salkar explained, “There has been excessive rain, which has aggravated the water logging situation in the low-lying areas of Orulem and Bellabai. While we have seen no floods in Vasco, these areas are vulnerable due to their topography.”
Salkar further elaborated on the causes of the water logging. “The water logging happens when heavy rains coincide with high tide, which prevents the water from flowing into the sea. Additionally, most of the culverts in the area have been neglected for the past 30 years, leading to blockages. We have proposed to construct new culverts, which should be ready in a year’s time.”
He continued, “All the water from this area currently moves via circular drainage gutters around the periphery of the landfilled Tanya Ground, slowing down the water flow. We have now decided to install a straight gutter right through the middle of the ground when we develop the sports complex at Tanya Ground. This will ensure smoother and faster water flow.”
Salkar also highlighted the need for immediate desilting of the farms adjoining the area. “We have asked the WRD to desilt these farms to increase their water-holding capacity and prevent water logging. This will be the first time that this area will be desilted. The previous landfilling of adjacent farms has disrupted the natural water flow, causing water logging in Orulem-Bellabai.”
“We are committed to finding effective solutions and implementing necessary measures to mitigate flooding in Orulem-Bellabai,” Salkar remarked, reaffirming their dedication to addressing the issue.
Despite these measures, Salkar cautioned that complete resolution might be challenging due to the area’s low-lying nature. “Even with new culverts, nullahs, and drainage systems, we can only mitigate the water logging. We cannot assure a permanent solution because we cannot control the tides that affect the water flow,” he said.
The WRD officials provided technical insights and suggestions for improving the drainage infrastructure. Plans for cleaning and desilting the existing drains, as well as potential upgrades to the drainage network, were discussed in detail.
