Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa

Mapusa, Jun 24: Intense monsoon showers on Monday evening led to severe waterlogging in several parts of the Mapusa municipal market, disrupting business activities and once again exposing the town’s long-standing drainage problems.

Rainwater quickly inundated multiple internal market lanes, partially submerging parked two-wheelers and surrounding several shops and commercial establishments. Traders and local residents blamed the recurring situation on inadequate drainage infrastructure, alleging that the system continues to fail despite repeated repair and maintenance efforts.

Many shopkeepers questioned the effectiveness of recent drainage improvement works carried out by the municipality, saying the network is unable to cope even with moderate rainfall.

“If it rains continuously for an entire day, we may have no option but to remain at home because the market lanes will be completely flooded. I am worried that our goods could be damaged. Many traders suffered losses during the last monsoon season,” a trader said.

The latest flooding has revived memories of last year’s monsoon, when prolonged waterlogging disrupted businesses and caused significant financial losses for several traders.

Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza visited the affected low-lying areas to assess the situation and review the impact on commercial activity. He said the flooding was primarily caused by a blockage in the main drainage line near the bus stand, where a large plastic bag had obstructed the flow of rainwater.

Meanwhile, Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) administrator Fiona Cardoz said the civic body would immediately launch a special drive to clear accumulated garbage from different parts of the town.

She added that authorities are working to strengthen drainage management systems while also improving overall sanitation and cleanliness measures across Mapusa.

D’Souza said MMC teams have been deployed round the clock to clear clogged drains, remove stagnant water and closely monitor vulnerable locations within the market area to minimise disruptions during the ongoing monsoon season.