Minister for Water Resources, Shri Subhash Shirodkar in presence of Social Welfare Minister, Shri Subhash Phaldessai and Fatorda MLA, Shri Vijay Sardessai commisioned Lift Irrigation Scheme project at Malkarnem Sanguem today on the occasion of World Water Day. This lift irrigation scheme is for pumping of water from Salaulim Irrigation project main canal to delivery tank at Ambetembo for distribution of water to Nagvem, Malkarnem and Zanodem villages of Quepem Taluka which was taken up at the cost of Rs. 32,81,92,800/-, for which Rs.28 crores soft loan has been provided by NABARD. 400 hectares of land of Nagvem, Malkarnem and Zanodem villages will benefit from this project.
Speaking on the occasion Minister, Shri Subhash Shirodkar said it was a visionary decision of the then Chief Minister Late Bhausaheb Bandodkar to build a Salaulim dam. People should not oppose this type of public oriented project. This lift irrigation scheme project is the third phase of lift irrigation from Salaulim Dam canal. Water is a miraculous liquid gift from God and environment, he pointed.
Further he said, soon foundation for dam at Kajumol Darbandora will be laid. Manke in Shiroda constituency and in Sattari taluka around 4 new dams would be taken up. He said Government will provide two tractors each in North and South Goa which will do both Tilling and plantation work.
He said, water resources Department is spread across all over Goa. He urged people to preserve water and make use of it responsibly. Government is able to supply water across Goa. He also stressed on the need to preserve the drains, rivers, streams, ponds. “I have resolved today on the auspicious day of Gudi Padwa that I will not talk much but my work show”.
Minister, Shri Subhash Phaldessai said, growth in green revolution will be taken up with the benefit of lift irrigation project. He
appealed not to leave any land fallow and urged them to bring all the land under cultivation. He said Government will see that water will not fall short for irrigation purpose. Various development plans have been planned for Sanguem Constituency, in different sectors like tourism, agriculture, water resources. Botanical Garden on Salaulim Dam will be developed at a cost of Rs. 30 crores he said.
MLA, Shri Vijay Sardessai said, he is happy to see that the project is completed in the stipulated time. This is a milestone and achievement for Government, Water Resources Department and Malkarnem Village. Sanguem is a agro based constituency which needs water for irrigation. He said seeing is believing and one should work with that spirit. People should show the results of this project by taking maximum benefit by making optimum use of water. Should bring glamour in agriculture field. Agriculture schemes should be popularized, he emphasized.
Sarpanch, Shri Rajesh Gaonkar said, this project will be benefitial to all farmers within the jurisdiction of Malkarnem Panchayat.
This project has 5 Nos. of pumping units of 700 HP each. It also has 33KV sub station with 2500 KVA transformer running on 33/11 KV supply. This project has micro distribution network for supply of water to the fields through the gravity flow, half round RCC pipes with canal gates and distribution chamber to the fields of the farmers.
Cheif Engineer, WRD, Shri Pramod Badami welcomed. Additional Chief Engineer, Shri Ankush Gaonkar presented vote of thanks.
Chairperson, Sanguem Municipal Council, Smt Seema Naik; Chairman, ST Corporation; Shri Vasudev Gaonkar; Zilla Panchayat Member, Shri Suresh Kepekar; Sarpanch, Malkarnem Village Panchayat, Shri Rajesh Gaonkar; Deputy Sarpanch, Shri Franky Colaco; Officer of NABARD, Shri Sushil Naik; Ex MLA, Shri Prasad Gaonkar, panchas and others were present on the occasion.