Compensate rain affected farmers
Farmers in Aldona, Guirim and Sangolda are reportedly grappling with severe losses as continuous rains have devastated their paddy crops. It is learnt that the relentless downpour has not only washed away recently sown paddy seeds but also submerged sprouting crops for nearly a week, leading to fears of widespread rotting. This is the situation with farmers across the state. Farmers at several villages in Salcete including Verna, Betalbatim and the khazan fields of Loutolim and Curtorim have been affected by the incessant rains. Farmers in Navelim, Telaulim, Chinchinim, Carmona among other places face significant losses. Too much rainfall can be harmful and lead to waterlogging and soil erosion, increasing the risk of plant disease thereby reducing crop yields. Root loss occurs when excess water reduces oxygen in the soil. Heavy rains carry away precious topsoil which are loaded with nutrients. It is learnt that one of the primary reasons for the flooding is the lack of maintenance in the drainage system. Farmers are reportedly seeking compensation from the government for the damage that has occurred. A detailed survey needs to be carried out by the authorities concerned in order to assess the damage caused by the incessant rains. The government needs to come up with a package to provide financial support to the farmers at this time of crisis when many farmers have just completed sowing their crops.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Supply of free ration needs immediate review
The government provided free ration to poor ones at the time of Corona epidemic and it was a much needed move as those living hand-to-mouth had neither work nor means to get any livelihood.
The worse period has passed and the situation has since been normalised and improved so this facility should have been withdrawn but it continued for reasons best known to the Government and may be expecting return in terms of votes.
Unfortunately, it did not happen as we are most ungrateful to what we get at the time of need as memory is short lived forgetting those crucial days.
Its importance is lost as it continues indefinitely. It is considered now as a birth right and many are found misusing this facility by selling items to others at cost as additional income as all are earners. It is acting as an overdose with a number of freebies in operation. The supply of free ration needs immediate review as crores are spent burdening genuine tax payers and the general public. There should be at least minimal charges as free items have no value.
Bhalchandra V S Priolkar, Margao
It’s water-logged everywhere in Goa
Incessant rains has disrupted normal life at many places. The low-lying areas all over the state witnessed water logging, with water entering many houses, shops and even temples.
The smart city project has made roads flooding with rainwater, even in just 10 minutes of heavy rain. Goa’s road often flood quickly due to a combination of factors.
One major issue is inadequate drainage systems. The rapid urbanization and construction boom often result in poorly planned infrastructure. Roads are built without proper consideration for water runoff, leading to stagnant pools. There is zero accountability and citizens continue to suffer because of the lackadaisical approach of the authorities. Due to complete apathy of civic agencies and other government authorities, things go from bad to worse and we are dreaming of Smart cities.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Find solution or Guirim will go under water
The government will continue to blame the rain gods for the devastation taking place in Guirim. The panchayat and the public have remained mute spectators when such projects were bulldozed into their village in low lying fields.
It is a pity to see our engineers who burnt the midnight oil to get their degrees have put their qualifications and experience into such politically motivated planners for the sake of money and commissions.
Simple science learnt in school days shows how mass displaces the water and this has rightly happened. The sewerage plant that has been erected in the fields in the name of development by the double engine has ruined Guirim. Now the authorities will spend another huge amount to appoint a consultant to try and fix the problem temporarily. What a criminal waste of public funds. There has to be an investigation into the planning and what measures are taken to stop Guirim from drowning perennially.
Gregory E Dsouza, Siolim