Daijiworld Media Network - Canacona

Canacona, Oct 21: The Water Resources Department (WRD) is constructing new bandharas in Canacona taluka to address water shortages and improve water conservation in the region.

The department had earlier announced plans to construct around 100 new bandharas across Goa, taking the total number of such structures on rivers to 500. The structures are expected to help conserve freshwater for use during the summer season.

One major open-type bandhara is being constructed near Adarsh Gram at Mushifond-Amonem in Poinguinim. The structure will help arrest the flow of river water and recharge groundwater along the riverbank. Locals said such structures would also benefit coconut and arecanut plantations in the surrounding areas.

Work has also commenced on another open-type bandhara at Jaifond-Ponsulemoll in Cotigao.

The structures are designed to prevent saline water from entering freshwater sources, retain freshwater and recharge groundwater, thereby supporting agricultural activities during the dry season.

Farmers are expected to benefit from improved water availability for cultivating rabi crops, including paddy, vegetables and chillies. Higher groundwater levels will also help locals cultivate their land during periods of water scarcity.

Following a 32 per cent rainfall deficit in Goa this year, farmers and residents of Canacona demanded the construction of open-type bandharas. They also submitted a memorandum to the WRD office in Canacona, urging the department to build such structures to address the region's water shortage.

Parts of Canacona, particularly the tribal belts of Cotigao and Gaondongrim, face water shortages even in years of normal rainfall because of the area's high elevation.

Work has also begun on open-type bandharas at Jaifond-Ponsulemol in Cotigao, as part of efforts to improve freshwater conservation and support agriculture in the taluka.