PANAJI
The Khazan Action Committee (KAC), an action committee of villagers and farmers of Neura, Azossim-Mandur and Carambolim, has demanded strict action against the culprits, who reportedly removed the wooden doors of the Damda Khazan Manos (sluice gate).
According to a press note, the residents of Mandur-Dongari on Thursday noticed the wooden doors of the sluice gate missing and the saline water was gushing through rivulet into the vast khazan field.
Three days before the incident, the newly elected chairman of Damda Tenant Association Satish Naik had repaired and fixed these doors, thereby drying the khazan area which has been submerged for last many years.
"The sluice gate was operated by a local resident, who after securing the auction has not paid any lease amount to the association. Chairman Satish complained to the Mamlatdar about the default in payment and flooding of fields."
Tiswadi Mamlatdar after inquiry ordered the termination of lease on the grounds of flooding the fields, but did not comment nor punish the contractor for default on payment.
The press note further stated that the Manxekar appealed against this order that was issued last week to the Deputy Collector, who overruled the stay and handed over the operation of sluice gate back to Manxekar.
Meanwhile, after taking the control of the Manos, chairman Naik immediately repaired the damaged doors of the Manos and succeeded in almost drying up the entire Damda khazan and on the same night, the doors of the Manos were removed.
Chairman Naik has already reported the incident to government authorities.
The recently formed KAC is pursuing the issue with the government so that such culprits are brought to book.
KAC chairman Ramrao Wagh said the committee is fully with the tenant association and is pursuing the matter. It has demanded strong action against the culprits and also asked for compensation to the farmers.
