Dilapidated sluice gates cause for concern to Siolim-Marna farmers

NT NETWORK

Mapusa

The villagers of Siolim-Marna have raised concern over the rising level of rain water in their fields due to the non-opening of sluice gates near St Anthony’s Church in Siolim. As a result farmers are suffering as cultivation activity has been delayed.

In this connection under the banner of Siolim Civic and Consumers’ Forum a representation has been made to the additional district magistrate to issue directions to open the sluice gates near St Anthony’s Church. According to local villagers due to incessant rain and tidal effect the creek water level has increased as sluice gates were not open at the appropriate time, as a result the water has been entering into fields resulting in flooding. Fields of farmers from Siolim-Marna are affected.

The member of the Siolim-Marna Biodiversity board and convenor of Siolim civic and consumers’ forum Gregory D’Souza in a letter has said that “Fields of Marna are in total dilapidated condition due to the lackadaisical attitude of the water resources, agriculture and PWD departments as these fields are waterlogged”.

Meanwhile the president of the farmers committee Murari Jivaji said that as the sluice gates were not open in time flooding is witnessed in the fields, however we have been assured by the contractor that once the rain subsides the gates will be open.

“We are in touch with the contractor and he has removed coconut branches and other stuff which were blocking the free flow of water at the sluice gates. As there is tremendous pressure of water it is not possible for anyone to venture and open the doors of the gates” informed Jivaji.