Decades after the overflowing waters of the Tillari Irrigation Project flooded low-lying houses in Pilimbi, located in Sodiem, Siolim, the authorities have finally initiated work on desilting and reconstructing the retaining walls of the nullah in Cunchelim.
The century-old stone walls have been brought down to make way for new construction, but this move raises concerns, as it will likely narrow the width of the nullah. Moreover, unless the area is thoroughly desilted, it is bound to get choked with the first rains, potentially making the cure worse than the disease.
It would be prudent for the Siolim-Sodiem village panchayat to engage in a dialogue with the Water Resources Department and resolve the matter before the monsoon arrives. The width of the nullah needs to be increased—not reduced—and proper desilting is absolutely essential.
Last year, villagers endured immense hardships when their low-lying homes were inundated and belongings washed away. Residents were forced to flee from their homes and seek shelter in far-off places. The Sodiem panchayat must now ensure that every nullah in Pilimbi and Bancar Vaddo is cleared and desilted to prevent a repeat of last year’s disaster.
It is regrettable that the panchayat has turned a blind eye to several illegalities, including instances where nullahs have been converted into roads to benefit builders in Pilimbi. Even resolutions passed during gram sabhas remain unimplemented to this day.
Villagers must not continue to suffer due to the negligence of both the Tillari Irrigation Project and the local panchayat. The onus is also on locals to stand up for their rights and ensure that the authorities are held accountable and do not continue to take the community for granted.