Team Herald
PONDA: A farmer from Kundaim, Dinesh Gaude, has lodged a complaint with the Ponda Mamlatdar, alleging that his paddy field has been illegally submerged with river water to facilitate fishing activities.
According to his complaint, the traditional manas (sluice gate) method is being misused for unauthorised fishing, preventing him from cultivating his crops.
Gaude has made a formal request to the Ponda Mamlatdar, urging immediate action against those responsible and has also demanded that the saline water be drained from his khazan field so that he can resume paddy cultivation. However, despite his repeated appeals, no action has been taken so far.
Speaking to the media, Gaude expressed his frustration over the situation. “Since my field has been filled with saline water, I am unable to begin vaigan (rabi) cultivation. To start farming, the field needs to be dried by releasing the water, but this has not been done yet,” he said.
He further stated that instead of supporting farmers in their agricultural activities, certain individuals are promoting fishing for personal gain. “Farmers should be encouraged to undertake farming, but some people are encouraging fishing for their vested interests at the cost of traditional agriculture,” he added.
Meanwhile, in response to Gaude’s complaint, the Ponda Mamlatdar has issued notices to the concerned parties. The authorities have also directed them to take precautionary measures to prevent the illegal diversion of river water into the field for fishing purposes.