VALPOI
A nearly 20-day break in rainfall has left rivers, streams, bandharas and natural water sources across Sattari with declining water levels, raising fears of an irrigation crisis if substantial rain does not arrive soon.
Although light showers were reported in some areas over the past two days, they have failed to improve river flows, water storage or groundwater recharge. Farmers say the prolonged dry spell has already begun affecting marigold cultivation and newly planted cashew orchards.
Rivers, bandharas under pressure
Water levels in major rivers, including the Velus, Ragada, Valvanti and Mhadei, have dropped, worrying farmers who depend on local water sources for agriculture and horticulture. Bandharas, which store monsoon runoff for later use and help recharge wells and springs, are also under pressure.
Crops begin to feel the strain
Marigold growers have reported plants drying up because of inadequate moisture, while newly planted cashew saplings in hilly areas are showing signs of water stress, raising concerns about future productivity.
Farmers have urged the Water Resources Department (WRD) to immediately assess the situation and retain available water in suitable bandharas before the monsoon ends. They say storing water wherever technically feasible would support farms, orchards and groundwater recharge.
Irrigation concerns
Agriculture in Sattari depends heavily on rainfall and local water sources. If the dry spell continues, crops such as vegetables, marigold, cashew and coconut could face increasing water stress.
Farmers have also warned that declining groundwater recharge could affect open wells, borewells and natural springs, while falling river levels may put additional pressure on drinking-water projects dependent on these sources.
IMD forecast adds to uncertainty
Adding to their anxiety, the India Meteorological Department’s Konkan and Goa forecast issued on September 26 carried no warning for the period between September 26 and October 2, leaving uncertainty over the possibility of significant rainfall.
Call for scientific assessment
Some farmers also voiced concerns over Karnataka’s Kalsa-Bhandura project, alleging that diversion of Mhadei water could affect Goa’s water availability. However, they acknowledged that the present decline in river levels cannot be attributed solely to the project without a scientific assessment. Rainfall patterns, catchment conditions, groundwater recharge, local water extraction and water management also need to be examined, they said.
The Mhadei dispute remains an inter-state issue involving Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, with Goa continuing to oppose diversion from the river basin.
Demand for immediate action
Farmers have called for an immediate WRD inspection of major rivers, bandharas and irrigation structures across Sattari to assess water availability, groundwater levels, irrigation needs, drinking-water requirements and conservation measures. They have also sought installation of bandhara shutters wherever feasible, protection of wells and springs, and advance planning for water supply.
They believe timely intervention could prevent a larger crisis if the dry spell persists.
