TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CORTALIM: The nightmare over the laying of gas pipeline appears to have been haunting the Quelossim farmers even before the pipeline could be operational.
What has been causing concern to the farmers is the release of sludge in fields wherein drilling has taken place for the laying of gas pipeline.
According to a local farmer Seby Serrao, a thick layer of sodium bentonite is being released for over a month rendering his fields unsuitable for cultivation.
“I have been making representation to various authorities to intervene since the sludge could permanently destroy the fertility of the fields, but no action has been forthcoming,” Serrao said.
He further alleged that the officials had been threatening them saying that the project is that of the Central government.
The Competent Authority for the gas pipeline, Anthony John D’Souza while denying any adverse impact on the fertility of the fields said the sludge had erupted due to the drilling for the laying of gas pipeline.
“Yes, there is sludge. But the sludge has erupted due to the drilling of the gas pipe line well beneath the actual requirement since the demand was made by the locals fearing damage to paddy fields,” D’Souza said.
D’Souza further informed that presently the process of pumping out the sludge has been going on and any damage to paddy crops would be adequately compensated.
