the goan I network
PERNEM
Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant alias Babu Kavlekar on Wednesday assured the flood-affected farmers of Pernem taluka that the State government would pay them 50% of the compensation before Ganesh Chaturthi.
Kavlekar, who is also agriculture minister, was interacting with the affected farmers while inspecting fields affected by floods in Pernem.
Kavlekar estimated that the losses to agriculture on account of floods in Pernem taluka would be Rs 2.5 crore, but said this figure could increase as farmers begin claiming for compensation.
“I have instructed officers concerned to submit a report on the losses and after verifying the claims, compensation will be paid to farmers. Since Ganesh Chaturthi is approaching, we will try and provide 50% of the compensation within the next few days,” said Kavlekar, while speaking to local reporters.
“Those involved in cultivation of land hired from landlords will have to submit an affidavit stating that they are ploughing the field,” he said.
According to officials, about 468 hectares were damaged due to the floods, causing a loss to 932 farmers.
The damaged cultivations also included 50 hectares of banana plantations (167 farmers), 5 hectares of coconut (99 farmers), 6 hectares under horticulture (79 farmers) and 20 acres of cashew (76 farmers).
‘Relief to be hiked to `40,000 per hectare’
BICHOLIM: Deputy CM Babu Kavlekar announced an increase in financial relief for damaged crops from the existing Rs 25,000 per hectare to Rs 40,000 and appealed to the flood-affected people not to be frustrated but to have faith in the government.
He was interacting with flood-affected people after visiting several affected parts of Sal, Menkurem and Dhumacem villages on Wednesday. He was accompanied by Speaker and Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar, Sal Sarpanch Ghanashyam Raut, ZP member Sanjay Shetye and a large number of villagers.
“Considering the situation prevailing in these villages, the State government has decided to increase the flood relief from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 per hectare. However, in order to finalize the procedure, it will take some time and people should co-operate in this regard,” said Kavlekar, who is also the agriculture minister.
While assuring that the affected people would get some relief before Ganesh Chaturthi, the DyCM said it would take about 2-3 additional days for flood waters to recede before ascertaining the exact losses.
“Though the floods were a natural calamity, the situation had gone out of control due to improper coordination between Tillari irrigation authorities in Maharashtra and Goa’s water resources department. I have decided to resolve this issue by holding talks with WRD Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues,” said Kavlekar.
