Sanguem
Sugarcane cultivators from Wadem, Sanguem, are facing significant hardships due to poor water supply by the Water Resources Department, leading to immense suffering for the farmers.
These affected farmers hail from the rehabilitation colonies of Wadem village, who had relinquished their ancestral lands to facilitate the construction of the Selaulim dam.
During their displacement, the government had assured regulated agricultural water supply to enable cultivation on the allotted plots. However, the reality has fallen far short of these promises.
Despite the presence of sufficient water at the bhandaras constructed by the Water Resources Department in the village, the farmers are grappling with malfunctioning water pumps. Out of the four pumps installed, only two are operational, severely hampering water distribution.
This situation exacerbates the challenge of irrigating extensive agricultural plantations, forcing farmers to endure extended waits of up to two days for water to reach their fields. Moreover, the sluggish pace of water supply necessitates farmers to spend prolonged hours at their farms, ensuring adequate irrigation coverage.
Expressing their frustration, the farmers, who had sacrificed their ancestral lands for the Selaulim Dam project, implore the government to fulfill its commitment and ensure uninterrupted water supply to their farms.
