Bicholim: The water resources department (WRD) has started desilting the Bicholim river as part of the pre-monsoon works.After inspecting the site on Friday, WRD superintendent engineer Ankush Gaonkar said that desilting is under way to prevent flooding in Bicholim because of heavy rainfall.He said the ongoing work, which involves a floating machine and other equipment, is expected to be completed by next week. Engineers Shailesh Pokle, Nilesh Pokle, and Siddharth Shirodkar were also present for the inspection.Gaonkar said, considering last year’s floods in Bicholim, WRD is taking precautions at multiple sites despite the unpredictable nature of natural disasters.He said desilting is also under way in Latambarcem, Karapur, Supachi Pood, Valwanti river, and other flood-prone areas, revealing large amounts of plastic waste in the riverbed, which shows public irresponsibility.The chairperson of Bicholim Municipal Council, Vijayakumar Natekar, said the municipality has begun gutter cleaning to prevent water stagnation.Sanquelim Municipal Council chairperson Siddhi Prabhu said silt removal in key areas will be completed in a few days.
