The Tillari Irrigation Project, which was constructed to bring water for irrigation from Maharashtra, has turned into more of a curse than a boon, particularly in Siolim-Sodiem. The Water Resources Department and Goa Tillari Irrigation Development have built canals and distributory channels in Pernem, Bicholim, and Bardez talukas without the application of mind and without ensuring proper crossings for wildlife. These canals now pose a danger as they have turned into death traps for wild animals since their passage and corridors have been ignored. No thought has been given to wildlife crossings, and no mitigation measures have been taken.
In Siolim-Sodiem, very often, carcasses of deer, wild boar, and other animals are found floating in the channels. There are cases of bison and calves falling and drowning in Pernem taluka as well.
Of late, youth too plunge into the waters to beat the summer heat, with one young man meeting a watery grave here last week.
Many youth end up along this road, drink, party, and even end up smoking and throwing cigarette butts, thus torching huge cashew plantations within the area. The Sodiem village panchayat has taken up the issue various times during the gram sabha, with former sarpanch and present deputy sarpanch Nilesh Vaigankar demanding that the canal area be fenced and a gate placed at the threshold of the entrance to keep miscreants and youth at bay. The Tillari officials, however, prefer to turn a Nelson’s eye to the issue. Complaints and gram sabha resolutions have fallen on deaf ears. Tillari has destroyed hills and fields in the area, and this time the officials are solely responsible for the death of the young man here. Had they fenced the area, installed a gate, and manned the place, a precious life would have been saved. The panic stricken officials installed a gate and locked it only after locals raised a hue and cry over the issue.
The Mapusa Police should take suo motu cognisance of the case and file an FIR against all Tillari officials for criminal negligence. The area, which partly falls under the jurisdiction of the Mapusa Municipality, should also be fenced. Life is too precious to be lost due to criminal negligence.
One wonders whether the Tillari officials even inspect the place. If they did, houses would not have been constructed in the CADA area destroying ecology and biodiversity of the village.