Saline Water Inundation Sparks Sabotage Concerns in Panaji's Agricultural Fields
Agricultural fields situated perilously close to a residential settlement area at Dongorim, within the Azossim-Mandur panchayat jurisdiction, have been severely flooded due to the ingress of saline water. Local residents have raised serious allegations, pointing to an open sluice gate as the source of the water flow, with many suspecting deliberate sabotage as the underlying cause.
Infrastructure and Geographic Context of the Flooding
The sluice gate of the Damda khazan, located in the neighboring Neura village, serves as the demarcation line between the two panchayat areas. However, water from this gate surges through the Dongorim creek, navigating around the hill before ultimately emptying into the Cumbharjua canal. This sluice gate is a critical mechanism designed to regulate tidal flow in the khazan regions, which are low-lying, cultivable areas protected by embankments.
Investigations have revealed that all the doors or wooden planks of this essential sluice gate were removed over the past couple of days, rendering it ineffective and allowing uncontrolled water ingress. For several years, these paddy fields have remained fallow due to a combination of factors, including salinity issues and lack of cultivation. "This time, however, some farmers had taken the initiative to cultivate vegetables, hoping for a productive season," a concerned resident disclosed, highlighting the renewed agricultural efforts now jeopardized by the flooding.
Allegations of Sabotage and Community Response
Ramrao Wagh, the convener of the Khazan Action Committee, has voiced strong suspicions regarding the incident. "There is a distinct possibility of sabotage by individuals who have been granted fishing rights by the tenants association committee," Wagh asserted. The ingress of saline water into agricultural fields is not an isolated occurrence but a persistent problem plaguing the region. It is frequently attributed to alleged sabotage by sluice gate operators who engage in fishing activities within the extensive khazan areas stretching from Agasaim to Corlim.
Following Wagh's formal complaint, an official from the Tiswadi mamlatdar's office conducted a thorough inspection of the affected site. This inspection was carried out in collaboration with the Agasaim police, members of the Khazan Action Committee, and the lease holder responsible for the sluice gate. The collaborative effort aimed to assess the damage firsthand and gather evidence regarding the circumstances leading to the flooding.
Official Directives and Repair Measures
Mamlatdar Dattaprasad Toraskar, after reviewing the situation, has issued specific directives to address the crisis. He has instructed the tenants association managing committee to undertake immediate repairs on the compromised sluice gate. Additionally, the complaint has been formally forwarded to the Agasaim police for a detailed investigation to ascertain any foul play or negligence involved.
"The mamlatdar has sanctioned Rs one lakh for the necessary repairs," an official confirmed, underscoring the administrative commitment to resolving the issue. Furthermore, the mamlatdar has directed the committee to seek assistance from the soil conservation section of the agriculture department to ensure comprehensive and sustainable repairs are implemented, preventing future recurrences.
Demands for Preventive Action
In light of the ongoing situation, Ramrao Wagh has put forth urgent demands to safeguard the agricultural lands. He insists that the sluice gate be sealed promptly to halt further saline water ingress. Moreover, Wagh advocates for a temporary suspension of all fishing activities in the vicinity until the repairs are fully completed and the gate's functionality is restored. These measures are deemed essential to protect the fields from additional damage and to support the farmers who have invested in cultivation this season.
The incident underscores the delicate balance between agricultural practices and resource management in khazan areas, highlighting the need for vigilant oversight and community cooperation to mitigate such environmental and economic setbacks.
