PANAJI
Farmers from the Sattari taluka, worried about the government’s proposal to reduce the amount of water released to their fields from Anjunem Dam, made representations to the Chief Minister on Friday as well as to the Forest department regarding other issues faced by them.
Krushi Raksha Manch president, Atmaram Gawas, said the government had to reconsider their decision to reduce the water released this year and instead use it for treatment for drinking water.
“The government has proposed reducing the amount of water released to fields, and instead wants to use it for drinking water purposes. The rainfall was comparatively less this season, and the water level at Anjunem dam is also low, so to reduce the amount of water will be an injustice to us,” stated Gawas. He feared that farming and the product yield would be affected if the water supply were to be reduced.
“We are not against giving water for drinking, but we cannot risk reducing water to our fields,” said another member Vasudev Sawant. They have therefore decided to hold a meeting with villagers in the taluka at Bhomika temple to deliberate over amicable situation for both sides.
The manch also raised issues of stray animals and subsidy on farm fencing given by the agriculture and forest departments. Explaining the current system, Gawas said farmers applying for subsidy are given 90 per cent of funds from the agriculture department. They have proposed that the forest department should give them the remaining 10 per cent for fencing their fields.
