TUESDAY, JULY 09, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: As expected, several agricultural fields in Fatorda, Seraulim, Benaulim and nearby areas have been submerged due to the filling of land for the Western Bypass. This has sparked anger among farmers and local leaders, who are demanding immediate measures to address the situation.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai expressed frustration and claimed that the flooding in the fields is a direct consequence of the Western Bypass not being built on stilts at Benaulim. He argued that this design flaw causes rainwater that flows into the river to flow backwards, leading to the inundation of agricultural areas in Fatorda, Benaulim, and nearby areas.
Speaking to reporters at the site, Sardesai expressed concern that the flooding of agricultural fields will severely impact several farmers in the area, potentially causing them to lose their livelihoods. "We had feared that the fields would flood if the Western Bypass wasn't built on stilts. Instead of rainwater flowing into the river, it has reversed back into the paddy fields," he stated to reporters. "In Fatorda, there are numerous farmers who rely on these fields for cultivation. We constructed drains, but they have proven ineffective," he lamented.
He emphasised that it is now the responsibility of the concerned authorities to promptly drain the water from the flooded fields. "If immediate measures are not initiated, farmers not only from Fatorda, but also from Seraulim and Benaulim will be unable to cultivate their lands this monsoon," he alleged.
He also mentioned that this issue will be raised in the upcoming Assembly session.
During the 2022 and 2023 monsoon seasons, the Tolleaband farmers experienced a decrease in yield due to their fields being flooded.
