PANJIM: With the water level at the Anjunem dam falling owing to a weak monsoon, the government has come under pressure to meet the demands of potable water and for irrigation.
While the government intends to release limited water for irrigation, farmers under the banner of Krushi Rakhan Manch have threatened to hit the streets.
“If the Water Resources Department does not release enough water, our farms will run dry and this will affect the production of rice and local vegetables. The government should decide whether we should continue with farming or stop,” Manch President Atmaram Gauns said on Friday.
The members have stated that they would not compromise on production while asking the government to ensure a permanent arrangement to sort out the water distribution issue.
“We admit that with less rainfall, there is shortage of water and as such it should be utilized properly. But we feel that Kalati (where the Anjunem dam is located) and Valvanti rivers have enough potable water for domestic use,” he added, warning to take to the streets if they are deprived of water for farming in the area.
WRD Minister Dayanand Mandrekar had recently announced that since the reservoir could not be filled to its capacity, as a result of a weak monsoon, the department has decided to release limited water for agricultural purposes as the water has to be sustained till next monsoon season and is also required for domestic consumption.
