PWD blamed for building bandh without studying local conditions at Vodlem Tollem, Benaulim
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Large tracts of paddy fields were left inundated after the Water Resources Department built a bandh at Vodlem Tollem, Benaulim, with local MLA Caitu Silva claiming that standing paddy has been destroyed by the untimely construction of the bandh, leaving around 50-60 farmers badly affected.
Making his presence felt at the Pedda-Benaulim on Saturday noon after water started overflowing on the road the Benaulim MLA blamed the Water Resources Department for the situation. “The WRD officials have built the bandh without taking into account local conditions and taking farmers into confidence. The farmers are yet to harvest their paddy, but the construction of the bandh has left the fields inundated,” informed a visibly upset Caitu to Herald.
That’s not all. The Benaulim MLA was peeved that none of the authorities, including the District Collector, N D Agrawal, WRD Chief Engineer were available on their cell phones. “How can these officials tackle disasters when they keep their phones either switched off or ignore calls,” Caitu demanded to know, promising to take up the matter with the Chief Minister and also raise the issue in the coming Assembly session.
Locals and farmers alike were taken by surprise after water level in the lake rose dangerously, submerging standing crops. “Who will now take care of the farmers? Will they be compensated by the authorities?” Caitu asked.
