Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, accompanied by Water Resources Development (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar and senior officials, conducted a review of the Rs 46-crore Mapusa river rejuvenation project at Guirim on Tuesday. The initiative aims to address waterlogging issues in Guirim and Mapusa during periods of prolonged heavy rainfall.
Project Scope and Objectives
The project encompasses desilting and other measures to mitigate flooding in low-lying areas such as St Anthony Vaddo and the vicinity of Hotel Green Park in Mapusa. These areas have experienced frequent inundation when the river overflows, causing significant traffic disruptions. The work is scheduled for completion in November, and officials have confirmed that it is progressing as planned.
CM's Directives
With the monsoon season approaching, Chief Minister Sawant instructed WRD officials to expedite the desilting process, remove excess silt, and clear encroachments that obstruct the natural flow of rainwater into the river. He stated, "During the rains, fields in Guirim get submerged, and the river's course becomes indistinct. With this desilting work, we have rejuvenated around 4.5 km of the river."
Technical Details and Infrastructure
The project covers a 4.5-km stretch from Guirim to the national highway bridge at Tar junction. The contract has been awarded to Bagkiya Construction Pvt Ltd. Key measures include the construction of embankment bunds along both banks, installation of sluice and flap gates at 200-meter intervals to prevent backflow during high tide, and a composite laterite wall to strengthen the riverbanks. Additionally, a dedicated sluice gate will isolate floodwaters from the Guirim catchment area. A high-capacity pumping system, capable of discharging 3,000 cubic meters per hour, will further enhance flood control capabilities.
This comprehensive rejuvenation project is expected to significantly reduce waterlogging and flooding risks, ensuring safer and smoother traffic flow in the region.
