the goan I network
VASCO
Expressing grave concerns after fields have been flooded with saline water, a group of traditional farmers associated with Ille Bhaile Khazan Association (IBKA) in Cortalim have accused Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha and the IBKA committee of attempting to destroy farmlands in Cortalim constituency.
The aggrieved farmers on Monday urged the Mormugao Mamlatdar to direct the IBKA to drain out the saline water and retrieve the field for cultivation.
The aggrieved farmers also alleged that despite several complaints to Cortalim MLA, she had failed to act on the committee of IBKA and had sidelined the grievances of traditional farmers.
They alleged that Saldanha and the IBKA commitee were equally responsible for the inundation of the fields to destroy farmlands in Cortalim constituency.
Demanding that Saldanha come out clear in the matter, the farmers have threatened to agitate in the matter.
Speaking to reporters, former IBKA chairman Agustinho Muniz said Saldanha must prove that she is with the farmers by acting on their complains and removing saline water from the fields within the next three days.
“Some IBKA members are removing the main doors of sluice gate to allow saline water, so that fishing nets can be cast during the flow of water at the time of low tide.”
“As chairman of IBKA, I had met chief minister and had got a bundh built to enable farming activities here and also ensured that around 19 farmers were engaged in cultivation.”
“If the wall bundh breaks down due to overflooding of fields, the IBKA committee will be held responsible. I have spent over Rs 50,000 to clear the field and it is flooded again. Saline water kills the soil,” said Muniz.
Muniz said he had met Saldanha on this issue and he was assured that she would act in the matter immediately.
“But nothing had happened since the last one month. Saldanha has finished farmlands and if not, she must prove it. She must act and get these fields cleared within three days and take action against the IBKA committee,” said Muniz, who is also a BJP booth-level president.
“I appeal to Rohan Khaunte, who is also minister for Khazan lands, to intervene and resolve our issues,” he added.
When contacted, the Cortalim MLA office said Saldanha would react and issue a statement in the matter.
