In an effort to address the recurring problem of waterlogging and flooding in Miramar, particularly around Stella Maris Church, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has decided to deploy a submersible pump to draw stagnant water from the road directly into a drain network further away.
Pre-Monsoon Preparations
In preparation for the monsoons, the corporation has also cleared the main drain running along D B Road, which had accumulated significant silt. CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate stated, 'The only issue that we have is the Stella Maris Church area, where there is some minor flooding.'
The corporation has made additional preparations, including mobilizing extra labor, activating emergency procedures, and forming late-night teams to be deployed to tackle waterlogging and other monsoon-related challenges.
Drainage Improvements
'The main drain beneath D B Road has been opened up and cleared up to the Starbucks outlet. Before, there was about an inch of free space between the silt and the chamber top,' Monserrate said, adding that the corporation is determined to ensure the area does not flood this monsoon.
CCP has also purchased a water pump and handed it over to a local resident to pump water directly to the next drainage chamber. Monserrate further announced that the Public Works Department has floated two tenders to revamp the drainage network: one from Divija Circle to D B Road, and another from Miramar Circle to Bal Bhavan.
Ongoing Challenges
However, Monserrate acknowledged that the Patto area remains a challenge yet to be resolved. CCP has approached the Economic Development Corporation for land to set up a dedicated pumping station there.
The corporation has also altered the flow direction of some drains in the St Mary's Colony area to improve overall drainage capacity ahead of the monsoon. These measures aim to mitigate flooding risks and ensure smoother water flow during heavy rains.
