Times of India | 1 week ago | 14-05-2022 | 01:57 am
Keri: Despite the objections raised by the Goa government, neighbouring Maharashtra has continued its unilateral work of the irrigation dam construction at Fukeri in Dodamarg. Earlier, chief minister Pramod Sawant, on receiving information about the ongoing work at Fukeri, had instructed his water resources department (WRD) officials to bring this act by Maharashtra to the notice of the Centre. Goa WRD had accordingly written a letter to the Union environment ministry expressing Goa’s concerns over the Fukeri project. However, the soil and water conservation sub-division of Maharashtra at Ambadpal, Kudal, has continued its work at Fukeri. Though the project site falls in an ecologically rich forested area, no environment clearance has been obtained by Maharashtra, while it has also not taken the necessary consent from the riparian state. The earthen dam with a height of 44.1ms and length of 345ms has been proposed to meet irrigation requirement of Zolambe and Fukeri villages in Dodamarg. The dam is being constructed across a tributary of River Kalane, which originates from the Western Ghats forest at Donikhol. Maharashtra has earmarked Rs 88.1 crore for this project. Narayan Sopte Kerkar, president of Jeevandayini, working for protection of rivers and water bodies in Pernem, told TOI, “Presently, work of enhancing capacity of the 15 MLD water treatment plant at Chandel is going on to meet increasing drinking water needs of the villages of Pernem taluka. The work in Fukeri will seriously affect the flow of raw water to Kalane river.” Locals have raised questions as to from where the Goa government will source raw water for the upgraded Chandel water treatment plant. “We have already written to our counterpart expressing the apprehension. I will again send a reminder in the matter,” said WRD chief engineer Pramod Badami.
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