Villagers from Sarzora voiced their opposition on Tuesday morning against the government's plan to divert water from Sarzora Lake to Verna and Mormugao. They expressed concerns about the potential water crisis in their village and the negative impact on their livelihoods and the natural ecosystem. The government's move to tap raw water from Sarzora Lake to supply Mormugao has been met with strong resistance from the villagers, who are determined to prevent the implementation of what they consider a questionable agenda.
The villagers emphasized that allowing the government to proceed with its proposed agenda would have disastrous consequences for Sarzora. They highlighted the existing water crisis in various parts of the village and claimed that diverting water from the lake would further exacerbate the situation. The villagers also expressed apprehension about the adverse effects on the natural ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in their daily lives.
Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar recently visited lakes in the region, including Davorlim and Sarzora, as well as the Kushavati River, to explore the feasibility of tapping raw water for future potable water demands in Salcete and Mormugao talukas. Shirodkar stated that the proposed plans aimed to meet the region's water needs for the next 25 years and initiate the planning process.
The villagers however firmly declared that they would not permit the government to extract raw water from their lake. They also pointed out that the lake serves multiple purposes, including supporting agricultural activities in the area. The villagers expressed disappointment at the government's decisions being made without consulting them and issued a warning of further agitation if the proposed plans were pursued.
The protest in Sarzora reflects the concerns and resistance of the villagers against the government's plan to divert water from Sarzora Lake. The villagers fear that this action would exacerbate the existing water crisis in their community and have detrimental effects on their livelihoods and the local ecosystem. As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the villagers' opposition and whether alternative solutions can be found to address the region's water needs while safeguarding the interests of the affected communities.