Canacona: In view of the anticipated water shortage in Canacona taluka, the Shristhal Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) has submitted a memorandum to Goa State Biodiversity Board member-secretary Pradeep Sarmokadam, proposing the construction of temporary minor bandharas on various drains in the panchayat area. The BMC has expressed its willingness to undertake the water conservation initiative and sought support from the board.Considering the current situation and the possibility of a severe water crisis in the coming months, immediate measures are needed to conserve available water and improve groundwater recharge. Constructing temporary minor bandharas across different drains in Canacona taluka would be a practical and beneficial solution, the BMC stated.The committee said it was willing to take responsibility for constructing the bandharas, provided the water resources department (WRD) extends the necessary financial assistance. The initiative would help conserve water, recharge groundwater, and relieve local communities during periods of scarcity.Meanwhile, a group of farmers from Poinguinim, led by RG leader Prashant Pagi, submitted a letter to the WRD last week, urging govt to take immediate steps to retain water by installing bandharas along rivers and rivulets across Canacona.The farmers demanded the immediate installation of all existing bandharas to arrest the receding water levels in view of below-normal rainfall this year, Pagi said.The memorandum highlighted that water conservation was essential not just for drinking water but also for households, agriculture, livestock and wildlife. Retaining water through bandharas would also help recharge groundwater and sustain wells that communities depend on during the dry months.In his letter to the WRD, Pagi sought the installation of the existing bandharas within 15 days, as demanded by farmers and villagers.
