MARGAO: Farmers from Arlem, Manora, and Chandrawaddo, who have been grappling with the dumping of garbage affecting their vegetable cultivation, are now facing further hardships due to sewage discharge into their fields. They have demanded a prompt and permanent solution to address this ongoing issue.
Officials from the PWD and Sewerage Department have pledged to resolve the matter after conducting an inspection of the affected areas alongside local MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco.
According to complaints lodged by the farmers, a large quantity of raw sewage flowed into their fields through the nullah just ten days prior, stemming from overflow from the manholes of a sewage pipeline passing from Arlem junction towards Danvoddem, Fatorda.
Judas Quadros, a farmer from Manora-Raia, said “Suddenly, we noticed a stench and contaminated water in the nullah flowing into our cultivated fields. Hundreds of farmers rely on vegetable cultivation for their livelihoods, and this incident left everyone deeply upset.”
He further explained that the raw sewage from the passing sewage pipeline posed challenges for farmers to access their fields.
“Although the situation is currently under control after inspection by local MLA Reginaldo and concerned officials, we require a permanent solution as this issue severely impacts hundreds of farmers dependent solely on agriculture,” added Quadros.
Rita Faleiro, a resident of Chandrawaddo, echoed similar grievances about sewage water seeping into their fields.
“We often fear entering the fields, especially during the monsoon season, due to the accumulation of raw sewage,” she lamented.
MLA Lourenco responded to the issue, stating, “During our recent inspection, it was suggested to raise the height of the manholes to prevent sewage from flowing into the fields and nullahs.”
He also mentioned that certain residents of Chandrawaddo obstructed the works related to the sewage pipeline, and officials are initiating action against them.
“We will follow up with the department to ensure the issue is resolved,” said Reginaldo.
