Dried Sirgao water bodies, People force stoppage of Chowgule mine

This is an entrance to Bicholim Taluka's Sirgao's water tank. Once upon a time it used to be full of water.

Today however it is dry and no water in it. Water marks can be seens on the walls of the water tanks. Three mines operate in this Sirgao.

Besides this tank, all the 70 traditional water wells has gone dry and agriculture is completely shattered. Last season the Sirgao people was forced to abandon the same due to non availability of water.

Agitation of the villagers has led to forced stopping of Chowgule mines in Sirgao 12 days ago.

Sebastian Rodrigues with input from people of Sirgao villagers