In order to promote perennial farming, developing an extensive water canal network across Bardez taluka could provide significant agricultural and environmental benefits. At present, Bardez depends largely on pipelines from the Assonora Water Treatment Plant, which is supplied by the Tillari canal. With proper planning and determination, such a project could become a reality. The existing raw water supply remains vulnerable. Whenever there is a breach or disruption in the Tillari canal, the Public Works Department (PWD) is forced to restrict water supply across the taluka. A well-planned canal network could help improve water availability for farming.
The issue of pollution can also be addressed through effective planning and strict enforcement. Existing canals, such as the Vau Canal stretching from Assagao to the Baga River, are affected by indiscriminate waste dumping. Expanding open canals would require strong measures to prevent contamination before the water reaches treatment plants. Although Bardez is densely populated and highly developed, with narrow roads and uneven terrain making large-scale canal excavation difficult, encouraging and supporting Bardez’s farmers should remain a top priority to ensure sustainable, year-round farming.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
