If Mhadei River water is diverted to Karnataka state, then Surla village wells and river will get dry, say Surla villagers. The livelihood of the villagers totally depends on the village river since past many decades.
The village river is one of tributaries of Mhadei River and the villagers are using the water for drinking and to irrigate their fields. Besides this there are only two wells in village which depend solely on the river water, say Villagers.
Surla is a medium size village.
With the total of 70 families residing, the Surla village has population of 460 of which 226 are males, while 234 are females as per population survey. Surla village is located at the border of Goa and Karnataka and is also far away from Valpoi town and villagers have to travel a long distance to reach Valpoi Town.
Villagers say that it is a very sad thing that “our both MLAs from our taluka have quit on Mhadei river diversion issue. They have to raise their voice now, because the whole Sattari depends on Mhadei River.”
“Allowing Karnataka to lift water of Mhadei when the matter is pending before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal, will prove detrimental for water security, ecology and environment of Goa and also Mhadei wildlife sanctuary from Surla village will get destroyed,” says Ashok Gaonkar a villager.
“The water flow of the Surla village waterfall has decreased in the past 15 days. This means Kalasa is already blocked by Karnataka Government. And this is a warning bell for us,” says Shrikant Gaonkar, a villager.
“It is indeed a river that supports life and makes life possible for all living things by supplying with fresh water. It is the artery of the watershed, which supplies the nutrients necessary for the body to survive. The river when it flows in its natural course, benefits all irrespective of caste, creed and colour, wealth or poverty; but as soon as it is dammed it loses socialistic character,” says another villager Ganu Gaonkar.
“If Mhadei water is diverted, then my village will face water shortage problem. So we will hold a special gram sabha to discuss the Mhadei water diversion issue,” says Suryakant Gaonkar, Deputy Sarpanch, Surla village.
