The incessant rains combined with the faulty irrigation canals constructed in Siolim have damaged the link road between Siolim-Marna and Sodiem.
For almost 10 years, this issue of stagnant water in the Marna fields has been brought before the concerned officials to act but sadly it has fallen upon the deaf ears of these authorities.
The farmers are running from pillar to post demanding that the link road be repaired to allow the flow of water that has damaged their fields. To their woes, the leaking and poorly constructed irrigation canal has water sipping into the fields and thus keeping the level of water high and denying the farmers to cultivate.
There has been change of estimates and job originators, first it was prepared by GSIDC to execute the works but the election Code of Conduct came in. Now we are informed that the PWD will execute the works.
With the monsoon set in full throttle, the portion of the link road has been damaged making it non-motorable and forcing the authorities to close the road. Hopefully not permanently with this Government, which talks of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas.
The students of Holy Cross High School are the worse sufferers as they have to take a longer route to reach their school.
Has the Government asked the farmers how they are managing with their livelihood? I hope the Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister will step in and give compensations to all the farmers who have suffered due to the negligent and lackadaisical attitudes of the concerned departments.
If the mining truck owners could get a monthly dole why not the farmers of Siolim? I hope the Commission for Human Rights will be able to step in and help the farmers of Siolim get their fields back in its original form.
Will the NGT also be a little concerned about these farmers and impose a heavy fine on the Government for deficiency in service towards the farmers? This is not a natural calamity but manmade disaster.
