Tidal water flooding makes life tough for Chorao locals

Panaji: Seepage of tidal waters into the fallow lands in Chorao’s Karabhat area is greatly inconveniencing the lives of locals. The water has encroached the ground water system, turning potable water inedible. Sources said the breaking of the surrounding bundh network has led to this seepage into the wells.
“Water from the Mandovi has entered the area,” former sarpanch Shrikrishna Haldankar said.
Residents of the Chorao Island Residential Resort – a residential complex – had to resorted to purchasing their own water for drinking and other uses. These residents hadn’t opted for the PWD’s piped water connection as their consumption needs were being met by the well water that was being pumped directly to their homes.
“Due to the contamination, they are now left helpless till the end of monsoon,” Haldankar said.
The residents first noticed sediments at the bottom of their pots and pans two months ago. Later, the water started smelling and taking a bath left them with irritated skin and soiled nails.
A resident, Joe Rodrigues, said that when they brought the matter to the attention of the panchayat and the mamlatdar’s offices, they were told that there is a shortage of staff to give a sign of acceptance on the grievance letter.
Requesting anonymity, another resident, a senior citizen, said the bundh broke due to the continued inundation of fields last year after the state was lashed with torrential showers.“The whole path down the Pomburpa river is stinking due to the flooding. During high tide, the odour of the polluted water enters our homes. People from various places come to Chorao for bird-watching and this is a bad impression they are being left with. The local authorities must act quickly to rectify the issue,” she said.