NT Reporter
Margao
The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has entered the final phase of its pre-monsoon preparedness works, with chairperson Damodar Shirodkar stating that work across most parts of the civic body’s jurisdiction is nearing completion.
Shirodkar said the MMC has prioritised desilting of drains and repair of essential infrastructure, including rearrangement and replacement of gutter slabs wherever required. As part of efforts to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon, around 60 truckloads of waste have been cleared from 23 wards within the MMC limits, he said.
The chairperson said the remaining two wards — 21 and 22 — will be covered in the coming days.
He also said the MMC has constituted dedicated emergency teams equipped with tree cutters and bush trimmers to respond to monsoon-related emergencies. Additional workers have also been engaged to expedite the work.
The pre-monsoon works have, however, triggered political claims and counterclaims. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said councillors supported by the Goa Forward Party (GFP) were independently carrying out works using GFP financial support. Shirodkar maintained that the MMC had also undertaken works in those wards and urged councillors to inspect their respective areas to monitor the progress of works.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by residents and officials over the condition of nullahs within MMC limits. Allegations have also surfaced that the Water Resources Department (WRD) has failed to clean the main nullahs passing through Margao.
Critics alleged that the department was delaying floating of tenders and relying on the first monsoon showers to wash away waste naturally.
