Goa CM cautions people about "fake news" on two key bridges

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday took to Twitter to deny a "fake" message doing the rounds on social media which allegedly quoted him saying that two key bridges in the rain-battered state were "unsafe".

As the "fake" WhatsApp message forwarded on various groups on the popular messaging platform caused concern, Sawant promptly asked people not to believe it.

"Public, in general, is appealed NOT to fall prey to fake news spread about my alleged statement about Mandovi and Zuari bridges being unsafe, Sawant tweeted.

"I have not made any such appeal and I assure the public that my state administration is equipped for their safety, he added.

While the Zuari bridge, connecting North Goa district to South Goa, is located around 15km from Panaji, the bridge on the Mandovi river is on the periphery of the capital city.

The coastal state witnessed heavy rains on Monday and Tuesday, inundating low-lying areas and forcing the state administration to shift several families to safer places.

The Mandovi river was flowing above the danger mark at several places, flooding villages located along its banks.