SANGUEM: Farmers in Sanguem have raised concerns over the delayed release of water to irrigate their fields and have called on the Water Resources Department (WRD) to expedite the process.
The farmers, led by Constancio Mascarenhas, President of Kiragal Pani Vantop Saunstha, emphasised the urgency of water supply to start their agricultural activities. Ironically, Sanguem taluka is home to Goa’s biggest irrigation project- the Selaulim Dam supplies all of South Goa with water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use, and even caters to parts of North Goa, when the Opa water works faces water scarcity.
Mascarenhas said that last year, water was released for agricultural activities on November 15, following the intervention of WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar. However, this year, despite more than a month passing, the WRD has not yet finalised the date for water release, causing distress among the farming community.
The farmers cited delays in the completion of canal cleaning works as the primary reason behind the delayed water release. They expressed disappointment with the contractors appointed by the WRD, alleging substandard quality of cleaning works and emphasising the need for repairs to address water leakages.
Milton Fernandes, another farmer, highlighted the impact of delayed water release on paddy fields and agricultural plantations. The sub-canals, crucial for supplying water to these fields, are reportedly in need of attention, aggravating the situation for farmers. One major concern raised by the farmers is the water leakage at various points, leading to insufficient water supply for agricultural activities. Mascarenhas, whose paddy fields are located at the end of the irrigation canal, shared his experience from the previous year, stating that he did not receive adequate water supply during the harvesting stages, which resulted in huge losses for him, and his colleagues.
