PANAJI
The Chief Engineer (CE) of the Water Resources Department (WRD) has sounded a serious warning to departmental officials following recurring incidents of drowning in irrigation canals across Goa, with directions to urgently install the protective measures.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Superintending and Executive Engineers, CE Pramod Badami flagged two drowning accidents that occurred in Cotarli-Sanguem and at Carremoddi, Curchorem within a span of two months.
“This is a very serious issue,” the letter stated, adding that despite instructions issued earlier to erect barricades on a war footing in areas where canals run close to human habitation, “no progress is seen on the ground.”
The letter, a copy of which is in possession of The Goan, called this inaction “gross negligence” and warned that non-compliance will be reflected in the annual confidential reports of the concerned officers.
The CE has now directed that all junctions requiring safety measures be identified and temporary remedial action be undertaken, with a detailed action plan for completion by April 18.
As per the Goa, Daman and Diu Irrigation Act, 1973 and its rules, canal officers ought to physically inspect canal paths and ensure public safety. According to Section 84(vii) and Rule 4(1)(2)(i) and (3), failure to comply with safety regulations constitutes an offence punishable under law.
“As per the Act, the canal officer should physically inspect and direct his section officers to take up the crash barriers on priority,” sources said.
However, officials stated that estimates are prepared for the full length, which will incur crores of rupees as the Selaulim Irrigation Project (SIP) spans nearly 70 km, while the Anjunem and Tillari canals stretch about 40 km and 80 km, respectively.
Proposals are now being considered for installing crash barriers along the full length of the SIP on both the Inspection Path (IP) and the Non-Inspection Path (NIP) sides.
“It would incur costs running into crores of rupees... It is Rs 6,500 per mtr for the barrier. There is no need to waste public money by lining the entire canal with crash barriers. Instead, the department must invoke the Irrigation Act, restrict access to canal paths, and build gates at entry points from roads to the IP and NIP,” the official added, expressing reservations over the exorbitant expenditure.
Meanwhile, WRD officials are also being urged to take immediate steps to inform local bodies and police stations about the dangers.
Sources further added that before taking any decision, the WRD should conduct a site inspection with the Disaster Management Authority, subsequent to which only vulnerable locations shall be provided with protective measures.
“Crash barriers will not solve the problem since people/animals will try to pass through the gaps between the plates. The amount spent on the crash barrier is sufficient to provide alternate roads to the people residing in the close vicinity of the canal. Government should rethink this because, due to the urgency of work, the contractors will take advantage by executing substandard works,” the official recommended.
