SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024
Wesley Edward Pereira
There was an interesting news report appearing on page 2 of the Herald recently on the lift irrigation project near Mopa Airport.
Serious attempts are being made to designate the unwanted Mopa Airport as the Goa International Airport for promoting Goa as a logistic hub for SEZ projects by pointing out the difficulties in the expansion plans of the existing Goa International project at Dabolim to implement such projects. The SEZ policy has been scrapped in Goa. So are these SEZ logistic hub projects in Goa linked to the SEZ policies of other States?
Let me repeat. As per the Goa, Daman and Diu Irrigation Act, 1973 (Act No. 18 of 1973) the definition of “canal" under clause 2(f) includes all mechanical and electrical appliances tools and plants and structures, installed or constructed, maintained or controlled by the Government for lifting water. Further, the main structural components on lift irrigation systems are (i) intake structure, (ii) intake pipe, (iii) jack well/pump well, (iv) pump house, (v) rising main and accessories, (vi) delivery chamber, (vii) distribution chamber, and (viii)on-farm Water distribution system.
The Goa Command Area Development Act, 1997 (Goa Act No. 27 of 1997) [8-9-1997]was an act to provide for accelerated increase in agricultural and allied production in the State of Goa, through a programme of comprehensive and systematic development of command areas on scientific and modern lines, comprising measures for optimum use of land and water, prevention of land erosion and water logging, improvement of soil fertility and regulation of cropping pattern, and for proper maintenance and upkeep of irrigation systems in the State of Goa for ensuring maximum benefits to the cultivators under the command areas and for matters connected therewith.
As per the Goa Command Area Development Act, 1997 (Goa Act No. 27 of 1997) [8-9-1997],the definition of “distribution system” under clause (8) includes:— (a) all main canals, branch distributories, minor canals and water courses constructed for the supply and distribution of water for irrigation; (b) all works, structures and appliances connected with the distribution of water for irrigation; and (c) all field channels and farm channels and related structures under a pipe outlet.
Massive agricultural lands in the command areas of the Tillari irrigation project have been acquired for the construction of Mopa Airport. These lands were meant for laying the irrigation canal networks of the Tillari irrigation project in order to improve the lives and livelihoods of the small and marginal farmers. Is the Lift irrigation project for implementing massive agribusiness and food processing projects in the Mopa Airport acquired land? Are these SEZ projects linked to the SEZ policies of the neighbouring States?
Karnataka Integrated and Sustainable Water Resources Management Investment Programme is to be implemented by Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL). Why should the State of Goa having its unique irrigation systems and later management concepts copy the development concepts adopted by an agency involved in Mhadei river diversion projects?
