Team Herald
MAPUSA: The disruption of water supply due to a breach in the Tillari canal has severely impacted around 100 farmers in Assonora, who have relied on the Sal river for irrigation for many years.
Last week, a breach in the Tillari Canal in Maharashtra resulted in a significant reduction in the water flow of the Amthane and Sal rivers, which in turn affected the water supply to areas upstream, including Fuden, Assonora, and Para.
These farmers cultivate approximately 60 acres of land upstream, where they have earned their livelihoods. However, due to the ongoing water shortage, they are now struggling to save their crops.
The farmers have expressed frustration over their attempts to seek help from authorities, claiming they are being passed from one department to another without receiving any solutions. Their primary concern is the imminent risk of significant financial loss if water is not made available soon.
Laxman Narvekar, a local farmer said, “Earlier, there was only one plan, but now there are three. So where will the water come from?”
Another farmer warned, “If water is not made available within the next 20 days, we will suffer huge losses.”
Farmers have also voiced their frustration with the Water Resources Department (WRD). One farmer explained that when they approached WRD officials in Mulgao, they were directed to visit the WRD office in Mapusa. “We have been sent from one office to another, but we have not found any solution. We don’t know where the water will come from or if we’ll get any relief,” they said.
Despite appearances, the farmers noted that although their crops may seem green from a distance, they are actually dying from the roots due to the lack of water.
The farmers are urging authorities to take immediate action, as the ongoing water shortage threatens to decimate their livelihoods.