11 Dec 2017 | 05:10am IST
Twigs and branches ‘scuttle’ ambitious irrigation project
VALPOI: The Water Resources Department has built several bandharas on various river tributaries in Sattari taluka as a part of an ambitious project to supply water for agriculture, but many have been neglected as authorities have failed to remove twigs and branches blocking these bandharas.
Team Herald
VALPOI: The Water Resources Department has built several bandharas on various river tributaries in Sattari taluka as a part of an ambitious project to supply water for agriculture, but many have been neglected as authorities have failed to remove twigs and branches blocking these bandharas.
According to sources, 28 bandharas were constructed on various tributaries by the Water Resources Department to store water and to use it for agriculture. Water is stored by blocking the bandharas with iron plates in November and the plates are normally removed in May.
The work to block the bandharas with iron plates is in progress, but locals have expressed concern over failure by authorities to remove the twigs and branches blocking many bandharas during the rainy season. Authorities have failed to desilt the bandharas since the last few years, due to which the stored water has become silt-filled and unusable.
Rama Gaonkar, a farmer, said twigs and branches blocking bandharas is a main reason for the water storage. “The WRD authorities should seriously look in to this matter,” he added.
Devgo Gaonkar, another farmer from Mauxi, also expressed concern over increasing levels of siltation around the bandharas, affecting the flow of water.
When contacted, WRD Executive Engineer Pathan said that the issue was brought to his notice a few days back and that he has instructed the Valpoi assistant engineer to clear all the obstacles at the bandharas. “The department will definitely look into the issue,” he assured.
