Salcete’s countryside plays host to an elaborate network of irrigation canals. Sadly, the network has turned out to be a White Elephant since its construction over two decades now. Guilherme Almeida tries to find out whether the new government and the elected representatives have any plans to put the infrastructure to use.
Welcome to Salcete’s countryside. Here, one would come across a well-laid irrigation network running into hundreds of kilometers through the lush green low-lying fields. A drive down the villages of Navelim, Telaulim, Dramapur, Chinchinim, Sao Jose de Areal, Davorlim, Ambelim and Velim would reveal the extent of irrigation canal network put in place over the last two decades. Sadly, while crores of rupees have gone into the construction and execution of the irrigation network, the infrastructure has turned out to be a white elephant as it has utterly failed to serve the avowed purpose till date. Blame it on the apathy towards agriculture or simply indifference from the water resources department, water is still to become a reality in the irrigation canals, while the farm lands lie barren all along the network.
In many cases, the canal network remains damaged for want of its upkeep and maintenance. The huge embankments built to create the network now play host to thick vegetation. While the main canal line was built over the last two decades, the branch canal linking the main to the fields is yet to fall in place.
Says Velim MLA Benjamin D’Silva: “Since the huge infrastructure is already existing it should be utilized to its optimum level. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has given a big thrust to agriculture in his budget speech. I will discuss with the CM how to put the huge irrigation network to use”.
D’Silva admitted that farmers can use the canal water for a second crop. Though the irrigation system throws light on the state of agriculture in these villages, the Velim MLA says that things appear to be improving at the ground level. “When we distributed seeds, fertilizers and made available the harvesters, many people came forward to avail the benefits. I feel the government should also take note of the needs of farmers, including fencing to protect the crops from stray cattle,” he said.
Benjamin’s Navelim counterpart and Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado echoed similar sentiments. “The huge infrastructure should be put to use. I will take up with the CM not only how to put to use the irrigation infrastructure, but also reviving agriculture as well”, Avertano said.
Finally, water for these farmers
Nearly two decades after the irrigation canal was laid through the village fields, Sao Jose de Areal farmers and residents can look forward for canal water for irrigation. The Water Resources department has completed repair work of the canal at an estimated cost of Rs 6 core following a petition by farmers and Sao Jose de Areal Villagers Union.
Villagers’ Union office bearer Freddy Tavares said that farmers have been knocking the doors of the Water Resources Department for the canal water over the last many years. “When we found that farmers in neighbouring Paroda grow two crops with the help of irrigation facilities, we also demanded that the WRD release the canal water for cultivation”, he added.
Velim MLA Benjamin D’Silva said that canal water would soon be made available for the farmers of Sao Jose de Areal. “The canal has been repaired at a cost of Rs 6 crore,” he added.
Scheme for cultivation
Water Resources Department says that irrigation infrastructure is lying idle in Salcete primarily because people don’t take up agriculture. WRD Chief Engineer S T Nadkarni says his department has proposed a scheme wherein mechanized implements will be provided to the farmers to cultivate the barren fields. “The government has proposed cooperative societies of farmers to bring the barren land under cultivation. This scheme is in tune with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s budget speech. We are awaiting government’s nod to implement the scheme”, Nadkarni said.
The scheme, he says, promises one-time incentive to the farmers to cultivate their barren fields. “Repairs and maintenance of the canal will not cost much, but what is important is the laying of branch canal to take the water to the fields,” Nadkarni added.
