Guirim Flood Relief Work Begins With ₹49 Crore Project Sanction

Authorities have sanctioned ₹49 crore for two major infrastructure projects aimed at curbing recurring flooding in Guirim and neighbouring areas of Sangolda and Bastora. The dual initiative includes dredging the Tar river with concrete embankments and raising road levels in flood-prone low-lying zones. Long overdue, the projects are a response to years of seasonal inundation that disrupted mobility and damaged property. Work is now underway, with major construction planned post-monsoon.

Flooding has plagued the Guirim-Sangolda corridor for years due to the area’s low elevation and inadequate drainage along the Tar river. During monsoons, the river overflows into surrounding villages, inundating roads and farmlands, often leaving commuters stranded. To address this, authorities have launched a ₹49 crore flood mitigation package. Of this, ₹42 crore is allocated for dredging the Tar river and constructing concrete embankments to manage overflow. The dredging process, initiated during the monsoon, aims to deepen the riverbed and restore natural water flow. A drone survey was conducted to pinpoint waterlogging hotspots and prioritise intervention areas. According to officials, whatever preparatory work is feasible during rains will continue, while heavy construction will resume after the monsoon season ends. These measures aim to permanently resolve Guirim’s chronic waterlogging issues, improving both climate resilience and daily mobility for residents.

In addition to river dredging, ₹7 crore has been earmarked for raising the elevation of roads that cut across the floodplain, which often become impassable during heavy rains. These roads, particularly those between Guirim and Bastora, are crucial links for local commuters and emergency services. The elevation project, now in the pre-tendering phase, is expected to begin post-monsoon and will include road resurfacing, drainage upgrades, and structural reinforcements. Experts highlight that raising road levels, if not matched with water flow management, can worsen flooding in adjacent areas. Thus, both projects will be coordinated to ensure long-term effectiveness. Officials claim this is the first time a comprehensive, data-backed solution has been proposed for the region’s water woes. Community members are cautiously hopeful, with many emphasising the need for timely execution. The integration of civil engineering and hydrological planning signals a shift toward climate-adaptive infrastructure in Goa’s flood-prone zones.

The ₹49 crore twin-project initiative in Guirim signals a long-awaited shift towards proactive flood management in Goa’s vulnerable low-lying regions. With river dredging and embankment works already in progress, and road elevation tenders underway, local communities anticipate long-term relief from the yearly monsoon disruptions. Authorities must now ensure that the projects are executed efficiently, with sustained monitoring and timely upgrades. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather, such integrated flood prevention efforts will be vital in safeguarding infrastructure, livelihoods, and daily mobility across the state’s flood-risk zones.