MARGAO
The Pedda area of Varca village witnessed an uproar after locals protested over the cutting of a sand dune apparently to pave way for the drainage of water from the Handi (water body) into the sea.
Locals and farmers complained that sea water entered the land and the fields through the cut sand dune, as they feared the entry of saline water into their fields.
They pointed out that a JCB was deployed to cut the sand dune in the night long operation for the drainage of the water from the Handi into the sea. “This is not the way to drain out of the water from the Handi into the sea. Any local would agree that the water from the Handi finds its way into the sea by making a small way. Cutting a sand dune is not the way to drain out the water from the Handi into the sea”, locals protested.
The locals have lodged a complaint with the authorities including the CRZ to inspect the area and initiate action. They have demanded criminal action against the persons involved in the illegal cutting of the sand dune.
A farmer Maria Castainha told the media that these sand dunes are a gift of God to protect human habitation from the sea waters.
“Those who cut the sand dune have not realized the ramification of their action. Already sea water has entered the land through the way made by these people. We fear that our fields will be inundated by saline water, destroying the agricultural fields”, she said.
Another local resident pointed out that a Sand dune was cut in Varca village over a year ago, pointing out that tampering with the sand dunes will have adverse impact on the coastal environment and the coastal communities.
As a temporary measure, the locals have buried the way made to connect the Handi to the sea with sand, to ensure that sea water does not enter the fields.
