NT Reporter
Bicholim/Sankhali
Bicholim taluka recorded 215 mm of rainfall on Wednesday, the highest in a single day this season, leading to widespread flooding across Sankhali and other areas. By Thursday morning, however, the rains eased and the taluka escaped a major flood threat.
The Bicholim, Valvanti, and Par rivers had crossed the danger level, but floodwaters receded within four hours. Roads at Bandarwada, Gaonkarwada, low-lying areas at Bagwada and Mathwada in Piligaon, and several other areas were submerged, with heavy waterlogging in different parts of the taluka.
Due to a rise in the Valvanti river level, pumping began at midnight. Pumping was also carried out at Dicholi, and officials said the danger had been averted by morning. By afternoon and evening the situation had improved, bringing relief to residents.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directed the Emergency Control Room to take all necessary measures. Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye inspected affected areas on Thursday morning. He said flood risks had reduced due to silt being pumped out at various locations. He instructed the Emergency Control Room and panchayats to
ensure relief work.
The Bicholim fire station received seven calls on Wednesday till late night, including reports of jackfruit and mango trees falling on roads at Mayem, Assonora, Sankhali, and Kudne. At Dhumase, a tree fell on an electricity line causing damage, while at Virdi-Sankhali near Babreshwar temple, a coconut tree fell on a house, causing an estimated loss of Rs 50,000.
Firemen cleared the fallen trees to restore traffic flow. On Thursday, the fire station received one call of a tree fall. There were also reports of trees uprooting in farms in parts of Bicholim.
No significant losses were recorded. So far, 3,800 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the taluka. Water Resources Department officials Vinod Bhandari, Shailesh Poklev, and others are monitoring
the situation.
