Mapusa: Following heavy rainfall on Monday evening, several streets within the Mapusa Municipal Market were submerged, causing inconvenience to vendors, traders and customers.
Waterlogging was reported in different parts of the market, particularly in low-lying areas. The worst-affected stretches were the two lanes near Café Corner, where rainwater accumulated rapidly. Waterlogging was also reported near the market entrance on the KTC bus stand side.
Trader Pandurang Sawant said water had accumulated at “the usual choking point” within the market.
He alleged that haphazardly executed hot-mixing works and the last-minute cleaning of drains were the main reasons for the waterlogging.
“I am sure MMC will take immediate remedial measures, or else there are chances of water entering shops if it rains for an hour, especially during high tide,” he said. Social worker Shekhar Naik said dirty and foul-smelling water had collected in some parts of the market.
MMC officials stated that desilting of all drains had been completed before the onset of the monsoon. However, they said recent hot-mix carpeting works had resulted in tar entering some drains, leading to blockages and subsequent waterlogging. “Our emergency response teams are already in the field clearing the blockages and restoring drainage,” an MMC official said.
Waterlogging was also seen in other parts of Mapusa, including near Sai Baba Temple at Cunchelim.
