BICHOLIM: Various parts of the state on Monday witnessed a heavy downpour, affecting the normal life. In Bicholim, an incident of landslide was reported besides the water levels of Bicholim and Valvanti rivers almost touched the danger mark leading to fears of flooding.

The disaster management personnel were on the guard to meet any eventuality arising out of the heavy downpour. However, as the day progressed the possibility of flooding was ruled out by the concerned authority.

The engineers of water resources and PWD departments were also on the guard monitoring the levels of these two rivers at regular intervals.

As heavy showers lashed throughout the day, an incident of landslide was reported at Narva along the Piligaon-Narva road, disrupting the traffic movement. Mud and boulders on the road led to a huge traffic jam due to which the traffic had to be diverted via Mayem. Luckily, there was no causality reported in the incident.

Bicholim deputy collector, Mr Narayan Gad visited the site and took stock of the situation. It was learnt that the traffic would be fully restored by Tuesday as efforts were on to clear the landslide-affected portion of the road. After inspecting the site, Mr Gad informed media persons that necessary orders have been issued to the concerned departments in this regard.

Earlier, some months ago a similar incident was reported on Piligaon-Narva road, however, the government agencies failed to take measures to prevent landslides along this stretch, opined some locals.

The incessant rains also disturbed the farming activities in the taluka. The farmers preparing paddy fields for transplanting could not continue with the task.

"If heavy rain continues for another couple of days the farmers will suffer losses as paddy transplantation should be carried out within stipulated period," said Mr Ramakant Matonkar, a farmer from Vathadev village.