Sankhali/Bicholim: Heavy and incessant rains lashed Bicholim taluka on Thursday, triggering a flood-like situation that caused widespread damage, inundation of roads and low-lying areas, tree falls, power outages, and traffic disruptions across the region.
A major accident was narrowly averted at Surla Old Panchayat when a large banyan tree, along with an electric pole, collapsed onto the road, injuring a two-wheeler rider from Pali. The tree also damaged a motorbike, a car, and electric cables, blocking traffic for nearly an hour.
Similar scenes were reported in other parts of the taluka. Two houses in Amona suffered damage due to falling trees.
Waterlogging was reported in several areas including Mulgao and Shiwalkar Wada, where the absence of proper drainage submerged an entire road. The situation was brought under control after deputy district collector Nehal Talwanekar directed the panchayat to clear the blockage.
Newly laid hot-mix roads in Bicholim town deteriorated under continuous rainfall, especially near the KTC bus stand, Sonarpeth, Bhailipeth, and the market area. Clogged gutters led to waterlogging near the old bus stand and Shivaji Statue Circle.
In Mulgao, Amona, and other areas, road collapses kept firefighters busy
with rescue and clearing operations. In Surla, traffic was disrupted for nearly two hours before the road was cleared.
The water levels of rivers like Valvanti and Bicholim Par have risen but remain under control. However, officials warned that further rain or release of water from the Tillari Dam could worsen the situation. Pumps will be activated in Bicholim and Sankhali if levels continue to rise. The Disaster Control Cell and Taluka Emergency Control Room are monitoring vulnerable areas.
Power outages occurred in several villages due to fallen poles. Talwanekar said that all emergency systems are on high alert. District magistrate Dattaprasad Toraskar, fire officer Rahul Desai, and WRD officials are on the ground monitoring the situation. Talwanekar has also directed mining companies to implement safety measures to prevent landslides, stating that four meetings have already been held for the purpose.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye said that all departments have been instructed to maintain close coordination. Municipal and panchayat staff has been deployed to clear water from low-lying areas and respond to emergencies across the taluka.
