THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA
Raising concern over the release of saline water in the khazan fields of Neura, AAP leader Prof Ramrao Wagh has said that he would petition the Governor to look into the matter and fix responsibility on officials of the Revenue department who are responsible for protecting the interests of the farmers.
Speaking to The Goan, Wagh pointed out that the khazan fields of Neura are one of the largest in the State and there is a bundh which protects these fields from the saline water.
“Recently, the government spent around Rs 9 crore in reconstructing the bundh with concrete. But it appears that the money has gone down the drain as those operating the sluice gates have deliberately released saline water in the fields to increase fish production,” Wagh pointed out and alleged that government officials, including those from the Revenue department are hand in glove in promoting the illegalities.
“With the saline water entering the fields, the land has become uncultivable thereby causing huge loss to the farmers and it is the responsibility of the government officials to ensure that the perpetrators of such illegalities are brought to book,” Wagh stated.
However, expecting no action from government officials, Wagh said that the only option left is to petition the Governor for his intervention in the matter and fix responsibility on the officials concerned.
“I will petition the Governor on the issue as such huge khazan land cannot be allowed to be destroyed for the greed of a few,” Wagh stated and informed that he will also write to the Chief Secretary, Collector, Mamlatdar, Agriculture Department and other departments concerned to investigate and fix the issue.
Wagh also informed that the saline water is also a threat to the Neura Panchayat Ghar and the school as the salinity can adversely affect these buildings.
