MUMBAI: The ongoing construction of the Mumbai-Goa highway has led to a severe agricultural crisis in Kasu village near Pen, where 200 acres of farmland have been devastated by contamination. Local farmers report that the contaminated soil has not only decimated their crops but also led to unprecedented health issues among those working the land.
The devastation has been particularly acute for farmers like Jambhale, who has cultivated rice in KharBurdi village for six decades. This year, Jambhale’s 10-acre farm has yielded no rice, a stark contrast to the usual eight to ten tonnes harvested annually. The problem began when the highway construction, which had previously halted, resumed and resulted in the highway being built higher than before. This change disrupted local drainage systems, leading to severe waterlogging. The contamination issue was compounded when soil provided by contractors, which contained chemical waste, was used to level the farmlands.
The lack of a properly managed drainage system allowed the polluted soil to spread across 200 acres of farmland, leading to widespread crop failure and health problems among the local farmers. The situation has led to an alarming rise in skin diseases among the agricultural workers, a first for the community. A female farmer who manages 3.5 acres reported a total loss this year, highlighting the dire financial strain the contamination has caused. The situation has prompted numerous formal complaints to government authorities, seeking urgent intervention and compensation.
Local activists have taken up the cause, urging the government to conduct a comprehensive survey and address the issue of poor construction practices. They have demanded the closure of illegal canals, removal of contaminated soil, and accountability for the companies responsible for the pollution. In a letter to the Pen magistrate and high-level government officials, they stressed the need for sustainable development that safeguards the livelihoods of local farmers. In response to the complaints, a local agriculture officer conducted a survey in July. The report confirmed that chemically laden soil had severely impacted the farmlands, with rice crops destroyed by the intrusion of sand and chemicals. Recommendations include a post-monsoon soil examination and an environmental assessment to determine the extent of soil pollutants.
As the farmers grapple with the fallout of the highway construction, the urgent need for a resolution and the implementation of effective safeguards becomes increasingly evident. The crisis underscores the broader challenge of balancing infrastructure development with the preservation of local agricultural practices and community health.
