For the last three decades, the once lush and green paddy fields in the picturesque village have turned into a swamp today. Thanks to the leaking Tillari Irrigation Project (TIP) which has been more of a curse than a boon to the Siolkars. The TIP has destroyed the hills by dividing it into two much to the annoyance of cashew farmers. Wild animals keep falling and drowning here as the area has not been fenced. There is constant leakage and raw water then wends its way into fields and has rendered them uncultivable. Our ancestors lived on what the land provided. They had a regular supply of organic rice, chillies, beans and other vegetables which they consumed and the rest was sold at the Friday and Wednesday markets. Today these are just memories.
The fields are submerged under water throughout the year and the issue has been constantly debated at gram sabhas but no solution has been arrived at till date.
Villagers keep demanding for compensation from the Tillari officials but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Less said the better about the panchas of Marna and Sodiem as no one seems to be interested in bringing the land under the plough for reasons best known to them. Wonder if they have water sports in mind?
The migratory birds which would arrive in hordes and attract hundreds of ornithologists are nowhere to be seen today. All one can see today is some migrants who fish from the Gaunsa Vaddo link road for huge invasive species of catfish. At night, the same area turns into a safe haven for drug dealers and peddlers- both local and foreign. The police however see nothing.
We are almost in the middle of November but there is no help coming from the government. The authorities concerned should clarify whether development means promoting destruction at the cost of nature?