Goa, May 31 -- As monsoon rains batter Goa, a storm of criticism is brewing-not just over the weather, but over the absence of key government officials at a time of heightened flood risk and dam safety concerns.

Several senior engineers tasked with overseeing Goa's water infrastructure are currently away attending a week-long training programme at the National Water Academy in Pune. Among them are the Superintending Engineer for Goa and two Engineers responsible for major dams, including the Amthane dam, where crucial gate installation work has just begun. The state-sponsored training runs from May 26 to June 1.

While the programme is acknowledged as important for professional development, its timing has drawn sharp criticism. With the ...