Monsoon works on full swing at Bicholim

Bicholim: The pre-monsoon works have started in full swing in Bicholim town, with labourers deployed across different wards to ensure timely completion.Vasco: A major landslide near Mormugao harbour on Monday afternoon claimed the life of a worker and injured another during retaining wall work along the national highway.The victim, Manoranjan Bind from Jharkhand, was trapped under debris and later recovered after an intensive rescue operation. Another worker, Rajendra, sustained minor injuries and was admitted to Chicalim sub-district hospital, while two labourers escaped unhurt.Officials said the landslide was triggered by porous soil weakened by heavy rainfall on Sunday night. South Goa collector Egna Cleetus inspected the site and directed the contractor and PWD authorities to complete the remaining work before the monsoon. South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes alleged negligence by the contractor, claiming the work lacked proper planning and scientific procedures. Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar termed the incident unfortunate and warned that recurring landslides in the area continue to threaten commuters and residents.Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) chairperson Vijayakumar Natekar said the work of cleaning of gutters, rivulet-side areas, and water stagnation points will be undertaken at a cost of Rs. 9.5 lakh, ensuring the work is carried out properly. Natekar said that although fewer labourers have been engaged this year, each has been instructed to give their maximum effort and work efficiently.Kundan Falari, the councillor from Atil peth, said he is personally monitoring the work to avoid loopholes.Councillor from Gaonkarwada Satish Gaonkar said Gaonkarwada and Mandrekarwada in Bicholim have been flood-prone areas, and proper care is taken to avoid stagnation of water.Bordem councillor Rajana Vaigankar said efforts are under way to clean the flood-prone points connecting the Aark rivulet.