The Siolim-Sodiem gram sabha on Sunday resolved to initiate criminal action against the Water Resources Department (WRD) over damage to ready-to-harvest paddy crops allegedly caused by leakage and seepage from the Tillari canal.

The gram sabha decided that the panchayat would file an FIR against the department concerned and also write to Tillari canal officials seeking compensation for farmers whose crops were destroyed.

Raising the issue, villager Peter D’Souza said the canal, instead of benefiting the farming community, had repeatedly caused damage to agricultural fields. He said water released into the canal when paddy was ready for harvesting had seeped into fields because of leakage, resulting in crop losses.

“Farmers had cultivated paddy and when the crop was ready for harvest, water was released into the Tillari canal. Due to leakage and seepage, water entered the fields and destroyed the crops,” D’Souza said.

He pointed out that the panchayat had earlier provided compensation to affected farmers from its own funds.

The gram sabha also took up the issue of drug-related activities in the village. It resolved to write to the SP North Goa seeking a meeting with the panchayat and appropriate action against persons allegedly involved in such activities.

Villagers also demanded strict action against cattle owners who allow their animals to stray onto roads, saying the practice posed a risk to motorists and pedestrians. They demanded cancellation of subsidies to such owners and sought registration of FIRs against those responsible.

The use of CSR funds earmarked for education of girl children also came under discussion. D’Souza questioned the panchayat’s recent distribution of financial assistance to students, including those whose parents are government employees. He said the gram sabha had specifically decided that the funds should benefit economically weaker children, particularly girls.

After deliberations, the gram sabha decided that financial assistance could be extended to students pursuing higher professional education. However, the amount would have to be repaid to the panchayat, enabling the fund to be used for supporting other students in future.

The meeting was chaired by Sarpanch Sheila Shirodkar.

Source - https://www.thegoan.net