Canacona: The water resources department (WRD) is constructing new bandharas in Canacona taluka to address water shortages in the region. The department had earlier announced plans to build around 100 new bandharas across Goa, taking the total number of such structures on rivers to 500. The structures are expected to help conserve water for the summer season.One major open-type bandhara is being constructed near Adarsh Gram at Mushifond-Amonem in Poinguinim. It will help arrest the flow of river water and recharge groundwater along the riverbank. Such structures will also benefit coconut and betel nut plantations along the river, locals said.Work has also commenced on another open-type bandhara at Jaifond-Ponsulemoll in Cotigao.These structures are designed to prevent saline water from entering freshwater sources, retain freshwater and recharge groundwater to support agricultural activities during the dry season. Farmers will be able to cultivate rabi crops, including paddy, vegetables and chillies. Improved groundwater levels will also help locals cultivate their land during periods of water scarcity.Following a 32% 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 seeking such structures.Parts of Canacona, particularly tribal belts such as Cotigao and Gaondongrim, face water shortages even in years of normal rainfall because of the area’s high elevation.Work began on open-type bandharas at Jaifond-Ponsulemol, Cotigao
