TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
BICHOLIM / MAYEM: Accusing the Maharashtra government of “substandard work” leading to a breach at the Tillari canal in Sateli-Bhedshi (Maharashtra), Irrigation Minister Dayanand Mandrekar feared that there was a possibility of another breach in the future.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after inspecting the breached portion of the Tillari canal in the presence of WRD chief engineer, Sandeep Nadkarni and other officials, Mandrekar also demanded an inquiry by the Maharashtra government into the poor quality of work.
“There is a need to investigate into the work of Tillari project as despite having investing such a huge amount, the Maharashtra government’s work has been sub-standard. It will take about two months to repair the canal and even if this breach is repaired, there is a possibility of another breach towards the Maharashtra side of the canal,” stated Mandrekar.
During his inspection, Mandrekar expressed doubts over the quality and quantity of materials used in the construction of the canal but admitted that the Goa government could do little in the matter.
“The Goa government is now helpless as the contract to build the canal and to supply the water was the total responsibility of the Maharashtra government. But Goan farmers are now suffering because of this breach in the canal,” he said.
It may be recalled that water from the Tillari canal was stopped on October 30, 2012, due to the repair work on the canal.
“The time that was given for repairs was not at all utilized and no work was carried out by the Maharashtra government. The situation is the same and it might worsen in the days to come,” alleged Mandrekar.
Mandrekar also came down heavily on the Tillari Board meeting held earlier and said the meeting did not yield any fruitful result.
“No one was serious about the agenda of the meeting and it arrived at no concrete decision. The board chairman said the high-command will take the decision over the issue later,” he added.
WRD chief engineer Nadkarni said they would make some alternate arrangements to provide irrigation water to farmers of Bicholim, Bardez and Pernem talukas.
“The Amthane Dam water will be diverted to some farmers, while we will give diesel to the farmers who have pumps. All efforts will be made to supply water to the farmers from these talukas,” assured Nadkarni.
Mandrekar further informed that farmers will be also provided water from the Chapora River in Sal village.
