The alleged negligence of the Water Resources Department (WRD) has come under fresh criticism in Avedem village of Quepem, where locals claim a once-functional irrigation canal has virtually disappeared due to years of neglect and damage caused by heavy commercial vehicles.
Farmers in the area said the canal supplied water regularly for agricultural activities nearly 15 years ago. However, they claim that no water has flowed through the canal since then, severely impacting farming in the region. Residents also expressed surprise that despite the canal’s current condition, the WRD reportedly continues to carry out annual cleaning work on it.
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According to locals, multiple applications were submitted to the department requesting restoration of the canal and resumption of water supply, but no action was taken. Farmers further alleged that the canal was intentionally damaged by unidentified individuals and that the matter was brought to the WRD’s attention, yet no preventive or corrective measures followed.
Frustrated by the lack of response, villagers escalated the issue by writing to the Chief Minister, prompting WRD officials to visit the site for an inspection. However, residents claimed that the inspection was cursory and that officials merely assured them that repair work would be considered after a detailed assessment.
Farmers warned that the ongoing water shortage is severely affecting their livelihoods. They said that during the peak summer month of May, fields dry up and several trees have already withered due to the lack of irrigation. They cautioned that unless immediate steps are taken to restore the canal and resume water supply, agricultural land in the area could face long-term damage.
Locals have demanded urgent restoration of the canal and strict action against those responsible for its damage.
