Inspection confirms sewage flow into Nuvem fields, farmers demand relief

Farmers in Nuvem have swiftly demanded compensation from the government due to the recurring losses over the past seven years, as the sewage flow has prevented them from cultivating crops in the affected fields.

On the other hand, government agencies, including the Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL) and PWD, Div XXI, have given a firm commitment to the Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao, Ramesh Gaonkar, to complete the ongoing works on the laying of the North Main Trunk line at Fatorda by March 2025.  

Government officials, as well as a delegation of farmers led by Everson Vales, attended a hearing fixed by SDM, Ramesh Gaonkar, in the South District Collectorate on Friday to take stock of the situation, considering the inspection report submitted by the Nuvem village Talathi to the Salcete Mamlatdar, Vimod Dalal.  

The inspection report, carried out through the Talathi, stated that brackish water was flowing in the fields at the time of inspection. “On local inquiry, it was revealed that earlier the maintenance, i.e., the releasing of water from the Bhogti Tollem, was done by the Water Resource Department. However, for the last 7-8 years, the same has not been maintained by the WRD department,” the report stated.  

The delegation of farmers said the meeting with different government agencies, along with the Deputy Collector, was successfully concluded, with SIDGCL and PWD Div XXI giving firm commitments on the completion of the new sewerage line by March 2025. “This will ultimately stop the pollution of Bhogti Tollem, giving a reprieve to the farmers during Rabi crops in Nuvem and Dovandem,” Everson said.  

He, however, said the farmers had demanded compensation from the government due to the recurring losses due to the stoppage of cultivation for the past seven years.