Mapusa: Authorities have attempted a temporary fix at the Malpem underpass by installing pipes to regulate the flow of water after The Times of India highlighted how rain runoff was washing over motorists. However, severe waterlogging continues at the crucial junction connecting Pernem villages, including Korgao, Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Keri and Tuem, to National Highway 66.Locals have attributed the persistent flooding during heavy rains to poor drainage design and engineering flaws in the newly constructed flyover and adjoining service roads. Water draining from the flyover falls onto motorists in a continuous stream during rainfall, creating a serious distraction and safety risk.The flooding has particularly affected two-wheeler riders, schoolchildren and local workers, who are forced to navigate knee-deep water, hidden potholes and slippery surfaces. Water accumulating on the elevated flyover cascades over its edges onto the service roads below, forming thick sheets that severely reduce visibility for motorists.Frustrated by the hazardous conditions, residents who had earlier threatened to block NH 66 have demanded a permanent engineering solution to ensure safe passage along the stretch.Highway works at Malpem, taken up with central govt funding, have also raised concerns over the execution of the project. Earlier, landslides were witnessed further along the same stretch following what locals described as haphazard cutting of hillslopes for highway expansion.
