Govind Bhiku Gaonkar, a rehabilitated farmer from Old Wada, Wadem in Sanguem taluka, who had sacrificed his agricultural land for the Salaulim Dam project, is facing severe hardship due to the non-availability of water on the land allotted to him by the government.
Gaonkar was initially provided agricultural land as part of the rehabilitation package. However, the allotted land subsequently went under water, forcing him to seek an alternative. The government later allotted him agricultural land at Naikini village, but the land lacks even basic water supply facilities.
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According to Gaonkar, the land at Naikini remains completely dry, making farming impossible. Though old Water Resources Department (WRD) pipelines and chambers exist on the site, they are damaged and non-functional. Due to continuous water scarcity, cashew saplings planted by him have dried up, dealing a severe blow to his livelihood.
In a bid to save his plantation and sustain his family, Gaonkar submitted a written request to the WRD office in Sanguem seeking urgent repair of the pipeline and restoration of water supply. However, more than two months have passed without any response from the department. He alleged that no official has visited the site to assess the situation so far.
Appealing to the government for immediate intervention, Gaonkar said that without water he cannot cultivate his land or support his family. He urged the authorities to ensure justice to rehabilitated farmers who gave up their land for the Salaulim Dam project and are still waiting for the basic facilities promised to them.
