Mumbai-Goa Highway Construction Sparks Agricultural Disaster: 200 Acres Ruined In Kasu

Kasu village, located near Pen along the Mumbai-Goa highway, is grappling with a major agricultural crisis after 200 acres of farmland were devastated by contamination caused by highway construction debris, reports Hindustan Times (HT).

Farmers in the area have reported widespread damage to their crops, with many facing health issues such as skin diseases for the first time. The crisis stems from the ongoing highway construction, which has disrupted local land levels and introduced chemically contaminated soil into the fields.

Bhagwan Jambhale, a local farmer who owns 10 acres, expressed shock and despair over the situation in HT. "This is the first time we have experienced such crop problems. I was shocked to find blackish water in my fields, which destroyed my entire rice crop this year," he explained. Jambhale's family, which has been farming in KharBurdi village for over six decades, typically harvests eight to ten tonnes of rice annually. "This year, we couldn't harvest even a kilogramme of rice," he added.

The contaminated water not only harmed the crops but also led to health complications for the farmers. Jambhale, among others, reported developing a skin disease after working in the fields. In response, farmers have lodged formal complaints with the government, seeking immediate intervention.

The root of the issue appears to date back two years when highway construction resumed, altering the land's elevation and causing waterlogging in some areas. In an attempt to rectify the situation, farmers were instructed by local contractors and officials to level their land with soil provided by the construction companies.

Unfortunately, this soil was later discovered to be contaminated with chemical waste. Due to improper drainage systems, the contaminated soil spread across approximately 200 acres, leading to widespread devastation.

Harishchandra Sharamkar, another affected farmer, criticised the inadequate construction practices in HT. "After the road work, the contractor failed to manage the drainage system or construct a protective wall between the service road and our farmland. This allowed wastewater from nearby companies to seep into our fields," he explained.

Sharamkar also revealed that debris from 15 to 20 companies had been used to fill around 20 to 22 acres of farmland. "During the monsoon, this contaminated soil washed into our fields, affecting both the crops and our health," he added.

Around 120 families have been impacted by this crisis. Gangabai Patil, who owns 3.5 acres, shared her distress over the total loss of her crops this year. "Farming is my only source of income. I rely on the crops to feed my family and earn a living. This year has been extremely hard," she lamented.

Chaitanya Patil, a local activist advocating for the highway's completion, has taken up the farmers' cause, urging the government to conduct a survey. "We have filed numerous complaints about the poor quality of work, especially the lack of proper drainage. We support development, but it must be sustainable and protect the livelihoods of those living near the highway," he stressed.

In a letter addressed to the Pen magistrate, with copies sent to the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister, the farmers have demanded the closure of illegal canals, the removal of contaminated soil, and legal action against the responsible companies.

Following these complaints, agriculture officer Sagar Wadkar conducted a survey in July and submitted his findings to higher authorities. The report confirmed that chemically tainted soil had entered the farmlands, severely damaging rice crops. Wadkar has recommended a post-monsoon soil examination and an environmental assessment of the pollutants to address the long-term effects on the land.