Ponda: The water resources department (WRD) has started the work of reconstructing a Portuguese-era canal at Bimbal-Shigao in Dharbandora. The canal will support irrigation for over 105 farmers. WRD minister Subhash Shirodkar said the age-old canal had deteriorated and the reconstruction has been taken up to avoid seepage, leakage of the water mid-way.The project aims to strengthen the canal infrastructure, improve its durability and enhance water management for the benefit of the region.Shirodkar said although now there are only 105 farmers depending on the canal water, the number must increase.“All those who have a sizeable land must opt for farming as an alternative to his income by farming,” Shirodkar said, citing how he planted coconut saplings around his house at Shiv Shail hillock at Shiroda. He said he gets a yield of around 6,000 coconuts every year.State assembly speaker Ganesh Gaonkar said the project will cost Rs 15.5 crore. He said the project would continue to help farmers for years to come. The work has been allotted to Bagkiya Construction, a South Indian firm.“This 10km canal water would reach Shirval where another 105 farmers would benefit,” Gaonkar said.He added that the initiative reflects the commitment towards strengthening irrigation infrastructure and ensuring efficient water resource management in Goa.WRD superintending engineer Zibson Miranda, assistant engineer Sadanand Naik, junior engineer Sagar Naik were among those present at the site.
