Porvorim: MLAs across party lines raised serious concerns over the survival of age old khazan farming in the wake of breakage of bandhs, growth of mangroves over bandhs and lack of funds with the department, to repair the bandhs. The issue was raised as a Calling Attention Motion by Sankalp Amonkar. He emphasized 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 bandhs even leads to flooding of houses he said, emphasizing the need to rebuild bandhs.
MLA Nilesh Cabral suggested to form a khazan board since the subject comes under various departments.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant agreed to formation of a Khazan Board comprising concerned department. 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 Centre and Goa to rebuild the bandhs as suggested by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat.
