BICHOLIM: The villagers of Chorao are up in arm against the government apathy to repair the bundh of Kawa Khazan, failure of which results in the road leading to Pomburpa ferry, getting submerged every day.
It may be recalled that since last several years the road leading to Pomburpa gets submerged as saline water enters the fields. Such has been the condition that the road is slowly giving way and residents fear that soon they would not have any road if this situation continues.
“At Chorao a road leading to Pomburpa ferry is dividing Katar Khazan and Kawa Khazan. Since last two years the bundh of Kawa Khazan has been breached and salty water enters this land. As there is no other way for the water to go it enters and floods the entire road leading to Pomburpa ferry,” said a local, Sanjay Kandolkar.
During high tide, the entire road gets submerged and there is no access to the ferry point. “Some take the risk to go through the flooded road but most of them prefer to either take Ribandar or Calvim ferry to move out of the village,” said Sanjay.
He said that since last many years they have appealed to the government for repairing the bundh but all their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. “Every year we are given false assurances. We demand that the government should resolve this issue else we would have to take action in this regard,” he added. He also warned that the villagers will hold agitation if it is not solved.
“Since last six years we are facing this problem and not only the fields but also the road is damaged. The government is not taking any initiative to repair the bundh which will damage the road,” said Dasharath Mapari.
He said that every year his field is destroyed.
“I have approached everyone including the Agriculture Department but they tell us that it is not their problem,” said Mapari.
When contacted, Mayem MLA Pravin Zantye said that he will immediately take up the matter with the concerned department.
“We have already written a letter to the minister and the tender is almost done. This Monday we have taken an appointment with the concerned minister and the matter will be resolved,” said Zantye.
