Concerned citizens in Bicholim have issued an urgent plea to the state's Water Resources Department (WRD), calling for immediate action to mitigate the annual threat of monsoon flooding. Their primary focus is the overgrown vegetation along a key water channel.
Overgrown Aark Rivulet Poses Flood Risk
The residents have specifically requested that the WRD undertake the cutting of fully-grown bushes and the trimming of trees along the left side of the Aark rivulet. This water body is identified as the main point of flooding in Bicholim during the heavy rains. Locals fear that the neglected vegetation will lead to dry waste and debris falling into the rivulet, obstructing the natural flow of water and causing overflow into residential areas.
Subhash Usapkar, a local resident, highlighted a dual benefit to this cleanup. He stated that with proper care and maintenance, including cutting the bushes and trimming trees, the area along the rivulet could be transformed into a pleasant recreational spot in the very heart of Bicholim town.
Broken Drainage Adds to Civic Woes
In a related civic issue, the residents have also appealed to the Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) for urgent intervention. They have pointed to the dilapidated drainage system located near the Goa State Cooperative Bank. According to locals, the cement slabs covering the gutter have broken, creating a hazardous situation.
The broken slabs are not only releasing a foul stench but are also posing a serious danger to pedestrians, especially during the night. The community has urged the BMC authorities to carry out repair work on this drainage at the earliest to ensure public safety and hygiene.
A Call for Proactive Measures Before Rains Arrive
The collective appeals to both the WRD and the BMC underscore a demand for proactive governance ahead of the monsoon season. The residents of the area are seeking to prevent the recurring problems of flooding and infrastructure decay, which disrupt life and health every year. Their requests emphasize the need for timely departmental action to address basic civic amenities and environmental management, turning potential problem zones into assets for the community.
