As was feared, ongoing bridge work in Cortalim causes severe rain pain

VASCO 

Muddy rainwater entered several roadside shops as ongoing bridge work caused severe flooding at Aravalem in Cortalim, triggering angry reactions from locals who have threatened to launch an agitation if authorities fail to act in the matter.  

A shopkeeper while speaking on condition of anonymity claimed several shops were inundated with ankle deep water. “There have been many inspections prior to the monsoon. Two of the inspections were attended by the local MLA and the Cortalim sarpanch. If the contractor has not done anything despite warnings by the MLA, our complaints don’t stand a chance at all,” lamented the shopkeeper.  

Another affected shopkeeper said the contractor had earlier assured to take remedial measures, but had failed to keep his word. “We have dirty water entering our shops. First of all we we have lost business and secondly there is exposure to several diseases on account of the stagnating water,” he rued.

“Sometimes, a speeding car splashes muddy water right into the shops. Probably, the drains are blocked and no arrangement has been made for water to flow out. We have now decided to come on the roads in protest and take law in our hands if authorities don’t take action soon,” 

he said.  

Speaking to The Goan, residents claimed that flooding has become a regular affair, adding that several complains to authorities concerned have fallen on deaf ears. 

The contractor has come in the line of fire for ignoring safety concerns raised by the shopkeepers before the beginning of the monsoon season.  

Unaware of the situation, says village sarpanch 

VASCO: Cortalim Sarpanch Senia Pereira said she was unaware of the flooding situation as no one had approached the panchayat with their grievances.  

“No one has approached us with their issues and I am not aware. We are close by and willing to help villagers, provided they approach us. In fact, I had called the panch concerned to take stock of the situation but he has also not informed me about anything,” said Pereira.  

The sarpanch said a similar flood-like incident had recently occurred at Aravalem, but said it was resolved after discussion with authorities.