Majorda farmers demand immediate removal of debris dumped near railway tracks and low lying agriculture fields

MARGAO: Majorda farmers on Wednesday said that the debris dumped near the railway tracks and on the low-lying fields should be removed immediately as it could lead to flooding during the monsoon, which could be catastrophic for the village. 

They were speaking after a joint inspection was done to assess the damage done to local biodiversity and the agriculture fields along the railway tracks due to debris dumping. The Salcete Zonal Agriculture Officer (ZARO) Sheriff Furtado, the Panch members of Majorda-Utorda-Calata panchayat, the Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) members and local farmers were present for the inspection.

It may be recalled that Rail Vikas Nigam limited (RVNL) is building a wall parallel to the railway tracks and a lot of construction debris, mud and trees have been dumped in private fields and on the pathway of water. 

Residents and farmers had requested the South Goa Collector and other authorities to get this cleared immediately, as during monsoon the debris will restrict the water flow and flood the fields and villages.

While the South Goa Collector had verbally instructed RVNL officials to clear it by March 20, the locals of Majorda were upset that till date there is still a lot of debris and mud dumped in the area, which according to them will flow towards the culvert in monsoon and block the flow.

 “The BMC is continuously pursuing the matter with the authorities concerned and today’s inspection was part of the efforts on how to further prevent destruction and restore the surrounding biodiversity,” said Vivekanand Kantak, BMC Member.

Locals pointed out that the District Collect had repeatedly instructed the Mormugao Deputy Collector to conduct a site inspection, but the Deputy Collector had not taken any action.

Locals also complained that a number of trees have been cut along the track from Majorda towards the Utorda section and all have been dumped into private properties. They are of the opinion that RVNL officials, supervisor and contractors need to be penalised for encroachment of private properties.

“No concrete ground action has been taken by the administration to restore the fields to its original state. Hundreds of acres of fertile cultivable land and also the parts of Majorda and Utorda villages are in immediate danger of flooding if the matter is not resolved,” locals added.