BASURI DESAI
Farmers cultivating along the banks of the Talpona River in Cotigao, Poinguinim and Canacona, are staring at an uncertain future as sudden flooding and collapsing riverbanks have begun to threaten their age-old agricultural practices.
What was once fertile land nurtured by the gentle flow of the Talpona is now at the mercy of unpredictable water levels. Local farmers blame poor water retention, decaying riparian vegetation, improper silt removal, and neglected infrastructure as the main reasons behind the crisis.
“Even a little rainfall in the hills now causes the river to rise dangerously. There’s no proper holding of water in the upper areas like before,” said Shyam Desai, a farmer from Cotigao who has been cultivating along the Talpona for over three decades.
According to villagers, nearly two decades ago, bandharas (small check dams) were constructed after the monsoon to help retain water for year-round farming. However, over time, this intervention seems to have created new problems.
“The water stored after the monsoon has allowed unwanted vegetation to grow rapidly. The natural riverbank plants that protected us are now decaying, and that is causing the banks to collapse,” explained Prashant Velip, another farmer from Cotigao.
Farmers also pointed fingers at the Water Resources Department (WRD) for failing to properly manage the annual desilting work.
“Every year, public money is spent on so-called silt removal, but the work is done without proper planning or concern for the people. The officers are wasting funds, and our lands are getting destroyed,” alleged Prasad Velip, highlighting the frustrations of the farming community.
Residents are now united in demanding that the State government commission a thorough study of the Talpona river basin, the underground water table, and water retention measures.
They say a multi-departmental effort is essential to prevent further disasters and safeguard the traditional farming that has sustained the region for generations.
“We don’t want temporary solutions. “We need a detailed study and action that protects both the environment and the farmers,” added Shyam Desai.
Dhanajay Nagvekar, Assistant Engineer of WRD-Canacona has admitted that the Talpona River is in a situation of serious threats to the people and farmers on the bank of river.
“We have carried out physical and digital surveys of the river Talpona right from the origin of the river till end at the Arabian Sea. The report is with the Government for further instructions. We are expecting a formal decision so that we can work out to prevent further damages”, Nagvekar said.