Panaji, March 12: RTI activist Sudip Narayan Tamhankar has formally objected to a proposal before the Tillari Command Area Development Board seeking removal of certain lands from the notified command area of the Tillari Irrigation Project.

In his detailed representation, Tamhankar raised legal and policy concerns, urging authorities to reconsider any move to denotify land. He warned that such a step could undermine agricultural planning, public investment, and the irrigation infrastructure already created under the project
The Tillari Irrigation Project, jointly undertaken by the governments of Goa and Maharashtra, was designed to provide assured water supply to farmlands in Pernem, Bardez, and Bicholim talukas. Significant public funds have been invested in canals, distributaries, and field channels to ensure irrigation reaches designated farmland.

Tamhankar’s submission emphasized that once irrigation infrastructure is developed, the notified command area becomes the basis for water distribution planning, crop planning, water users’ associations, and on-farm irrigation systems. Any reduction, he argued, could lead to under-utilisation of facilities and wastage of taxpayer money.

The representation invoked the Public Trust Doctrine, stressing that water resources are held by the State in trust for the public. It also cited Article 14 of the Constitution, cautioning that denotification without transparent criteria, technical justification, and stakeholder consultation could face judicial scrutiny.
Concerns were also raised about possible conversion of irrigable land for non-agricultural use, which could defeat the project’s objectives and impact rural livelihoods. Interestingly, while some land parcels are proposed for removal, other notifications suggest adding new areas to expand irrigation coverage.
Tamhankar recommended that the Board re-examine the proposal, consult affected farmers and local bodies, and prioritize expansion rather than reduction of the command area. The Board has invited public objections and suggestions before taking a final decision.