MAPUSA
The Siolim-Sodiem villagers on Sunday demanded compensation to farmers who could not cultivate their fields which were spoiled due to the ill-conceived Tillari canal project which bisects the village. The gram sabha on Sunday resolved not to issue repair permission of the canal unless the Water Resources Department compensates the affected farmers with interest.
The locals also resolved not to allow hill cutting and mega projects in the village as it would put pressure on the basic infrastructures such as power and water.
According to the villagers, the Tillari canal project worth crores of rupees has not benefited the locals in any way but on the contrary damaged the fields due to leakage in the canal.
A local informed that at least 340 hectares of agricultural land have been spoiled over the years.
“Tillari should compensate every farmer with interest. The project is an ecological disaster and will have adverse effects on bio- diversity,” a gram sabha member said.
The villagers also expressed unhappiness over WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar’s failure to inspect the canal project despite giving assurance to do so.
The villagers further demanded an inspection of the command area of the Tillari canal project.
The gram sabha resolved to station traffic police near the Holy Cross school during the school hours for smooth movement of traffic.
They also asked the panchayat to ensure that all rooms given on rent are registered and police verification of tenants is done.
The gram sabha meeting was presided over by Sarpanch Deepa Pednekar along with Deputy Sarpanch Nilesh Vaigankar and other panchayat members.
