Goa, May 21 -- Rice farmers in Bansai, Curchorem, are grappling with devastating losses after continuous heavy rainfall combined with the unannounced opening of the Nanda Lake gates led to severe flooding of their fields. The entire expanse of farmland has been submerged, leaving seasonal rice crops destroyed and farmers in distress.

The estimated damage exceeds Rs.1 lakh, affecting several families whose livelihoods depend solely on this monsoon-dependent harvest. According to local farmers, even if the rain subsides, the rice crop is beyond recovery - lodged, waterlogged, and mixed with mud - rendering it unfit for harvesting or regrowth.

"This is both a natural and administrative disaster," said one affected farmer, further stating t...