Farmers from Savari ward of Netravali panchayat along with the panchayat member Rakhi Naik.
Sanguem
Farmers from Savari ward of Netravali village in Sanguem have voiced concern over an acute water shortage for agriculture, stating that the situation has made farming extremely difficult in the area.
According to villagers, water from the Netravali river, which has traditionally been used for irrigation, is reportedly being diverted after pipelines were allegedly laid by the Forest Department, affecting the supply of water to agricultural fields and causing hardship to local farmers.
They brought this to the notice of Panchayat member Rakhi Naik, requesting her to intervene and resolve the matter.
Villagers informed that while they do not object to the Forest Department using river water for its purposes, they stressed that water used by farmers for irrigation for decades together should not be diverted.
They claimed that the obstruction of the natural flow has disrupted farming activities in the village.
Villagers who recently visited the river site alleged that small bunds and plastic pipes had been installed at two to three places to divert water. As a result, the natural flow of water towards farmlands has been reduced, while also causing many farmers to keep their paddy fields fallow.
The villagers have demanded that authorities immediately remove the pipelines and restore the natural flow of water from the river to ensure that farmers can continue their agricultural activities.
Panchayat member Rakhi Naik assured the villagers that the issue would be taken up with the Forest Department, adding that the natural flow of river water should not be obstructed as many farmers depend on it for irrigation and livelihood.
