PORVORIM: MLAs across party lines raised serious concerns over the survival of age old khazan farming in the wake of breakage of bundhs, growth of mangroves over bundhs and lack of funds with the Agriculture Department, to repair the bandhs. The issue was raised as a Calling Attention Motion by Sankalp Amonkar. He emphasised the need to protect our heritage.
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar said that no expert committee had been formed though assurance was given in the past. Breaching of bundhs even leads to flooding of houses he said, emphasising the need to rebuild bundhs.
MLA Nilesh Cabral suggested that a khazan board be formed, since the subject comes under various departments.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant agreed to formation of a Khazan Board. He also announced the constitution of an Expert Committee by consulting scientists from NCAER and assured to draw up a concrete solution within six months.
He also agreed to harness funds under the National Waterways agreement signed between the Centre and Goa to rebuild the bundhs, as suggested by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat.