The bandharas that are constructed on Sattari’s rivers have accumulated a lot of silt in the water storage area, which could lead to floods during the monsoon. Almost four to five meters of silt have been deposited in the last three years.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) constructed the bandharas in all four rivers (Madei, Valvanti, Velus, and Ragada) to raise the water table in the taluka.
According to information, these four rivers have over twenty-five bandharas, of which Ganje bandharas has the highest capacity. Almost one lakh liters of water is stored in these bandharas and then pumped into the Opa-Ponda River to fulfill the water demands of Tiswadi.
Unfortunately, nothing has been done to ensure the bandharas are problem free. Silt that is deposited in the command area will be a threat to agriculture and houses that are located at the banks of the rivers. The people who live in those houses have to live with the fear of floods and heavy losses during the monsoons because of the silt.
They have been demanding de-silting of the bandharas for the last three of four years, but no action has been taken.
The irrigation department has implemented some agricultural water scheme for development of land in the agricultural sector a few years ago. However, as per statistics, the water supply was short in April and May. This is due to a water shortage due to the silt deposits.
Presently, wood is stuck between the pillars of the bandhara. It will block the flow of water in the monsoon and will also harm the bandhara’s basement. The wood should be removed before the monsoons before a tragedy occurs.
When asked about the de-silting, Valpoi assistant engineer Ganpat Raikar said, “We had put a special proposal to the departmental head in this regard, but a decision has been taken in this. As far as water storage, safeguarding agriculture, and people’s shelter is concerned, de-silting is a must. This year, our office has prepared an estimate for de-silting of bandharas at Velus (near the bridge), Sawarde bandhara and Hadode bandhara. We are awaiting the senior officers’ say.”
The bandhara near Velus bridge has faced floods for the last three or four years.
