MARGAO: As the monsoon looms closer, 22 families dedicated to paddy cultivation near the ongoing construction site of the Western bypass in Benaulim have grown anxious. Their concerns center on the unfinished state of the works, leaving them vulnerable to potential flooding.
Farmers speaking to O Heraldo expressed their distress over significant losses and hardships inflicted by the flooding. Their grievances highlighted the inadequacy of culverts constructed in the area, which they believe will scarcely facilitate the flow of rainwater into the river.
The recent discussions bring to mind past events where residents and farmers staged protests at the site of the Western bypass project, highlighting concerns over flooding resulting from landfilling. Despite ongoing deliberations and advocacy, the government proceeded with its original plans, merely augmenting them with the addition of a few more culverts at the site.
As the completion of the Western bypass project remains pending and the repercussions of land filling persist, farmers continue to harbour apprehensions regarding the efficacy of culverts in managing flooding.
Raymond Costa, a farmer from Benaulim, conveyed his distressing observation that the current situation at the construction site unmistakably points towards an impending burden on farmers, who will likely incur losses due to anticipated flooding.
“The opening of nullahs and drains to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater into the river is yet to be completed. The potential repercussions, foreseeing that farmers would once again bear the brunt of losses due to inadequate infrastructure and flood management measures,” Costa said.
His frustration was palpable as he voiced his anger over the unresolved grievances of farmers engaged in agricultural activities in the area.
John Barretto, a seasoned farmer with decades of experience in agricultural activities, lamented the government’s disregard for the farming community's demands to construct the Western bypass on stilts.
“The government’s failure to heed to the longstanding demand for infrastructure that would protect farmers from flooding further reinforced the perception that the farming community's welfare was not a priority,” said Barretto.
“It seems that farmers hold no value in the state of Goa, as the issues raised by the community are hardly resolved or shown any seriousness by the government,” he alleged.
The site at Khareband, Benaulim, serves as a crucial point where rainwater from surrounding villages converges before flowing into the Arabian Sea. The filling of agricultural land with mud for the Western bypass project has disrupted this natural drainage system, depriving the site of its function as a conduit for rainwater. The far-reaching consequences of the construction activities, which have not only impacted individual farmers but also jeopardised the ecological balance of the region, he claimed.
He further expressed fear that this year too farmers will be badly affected due to flooding.