CANACONA
Progressive farmers and horticulturalists have raised concerns over the delay in closing bhandaras across Canacona taluka, stating that this had led to wastage of water and has also threatened Rabi cultivation, farming and horticulture.
According to sources, there are over 42 bhandaras in Canacona taluka, and every year these Bhandaras are opened during the first rains in June and are closed every year by November 10.
They claimed that this year, due to extended monsoons and post monsoon rains, the bhandaras were not closed as rivers were still flowing in many parts.
“It has been over a fortnight since the monsoons officially ended and even though the post monsoon rains have stopped, many bhandaras in the taluka continue to remain open and water has been receding in the rivers,” said Prasad Velip, a progressive farmer who is also engaged in horticulture.
“Many farmers, horticulturists and I have requested the Water Resources Department to block the bhandaras and stop the draining of river waters, so that farmers will not suffer from lack of water for irrigation purposes. We are at the fag end of November and the bhandaras are still not blocked/closed as yet.”
Said another horticulturist, “If the department concerned (WRD) delays in closing the bhandaras, it may become difficult for farmers to get water for their horticulture.”
They claimed that water bodies in Khotigao, Dabel, Mane, and several other places would dry up if bhandaras are not closed.
Despite efforts, some WRD officers were not available for comments in the matter.
