SANTOSH NAIK
PONDA: The incessant heavy rains hit around 450 farmers at Talpone, Shiroda, who are now in distress after their Kharif (Vaigani) paddy cultivation submerged under water following breach of a bandhara (check dam) at riverside two days ago.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The farmers complained that the Zuari River water entered their paddy field during high tide and urged for financial aid to repair the bandhara within two days to save their saplings, planted a few days ago.
They further said if this is not done then the entire cost incurred by them on paddy cultivation would go in vain.
The farmers said they cultivate Kharif as well as Rabi crops. However, the regular breach of bandharas results in heavy losses. They said last time the Agriculture Department had assured compensation, which has not been paid till date.
The farmers said the representatives from Panchayat, Agriculture Department and Mamlatdar office on Tuesday inspected the site. However, the farmers said they want the bandhara restored.
“We borrowed Rs 1.5 lakh for repairs and the government should compensate us for the expenditure incurred. We also want Shiroda MLA and WRD Minister to look into matter and provide us some relief by helping us in repairing the bandhara immediately,” the farmers requested.
