Team Herald
MARGAO: Insisting that any development should not come at the cost of destroying their unique heritage, a group of farmers from Loutolim, led by the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association, has appealed to the Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, to protect the khazan lands of their village from the proposed construction of a new high-level Borim bridge across the Zuari River.
At a recent meeting held at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, the farmers submitted a memorandum to the minister, expressing their concerns about the impact of the bridge on their agricultural lands and their livelihood.
The farmers, represented by association chairman Albert Pinheiro, emphasised that the khazan lands are a unique agricultural heritage, essential for the preservation of their traditional farming practices and the environment. These lands, which are located along the Zuari River, are not only crucial for agriculture, but also for maintaining the ecological balance in the region. Pinheiro stated that while the schemes outlined by the Union Minister and the government are welcome as they could boost agriculture, the government must protect the khazan lands by finding an alternative plan for the new Borim Bridge that would not destroy the fertile khazan paddy fields.
Their memorandum highlighted the importance of the Zuari River and its surrounding khazan lands, which have sustained local agricultural and fishing practices for over 4,000 years.
These lands, developed by indigenous communities using sustainable methods, comprise saline wetlands, fertile paddy fields, and intricate water management systems. The khazans are protected under Clause 8(V)(3) of the CRZ Notification 2011, which recognises them as areas requiring special consideration for Goa’s coastal management.
The farmers argued that the proposed construction of the Borim bridge as per the selected alignment would significantly disrupt this delicate ecosystem. They pointed out that even constructing the bridge on stilts would require the building of approach roads through the Khazan fields to cart materials, causing irreversible damage to the soil and water systems. Once the mud is put in the fields, it cannot be removed or desilted, and in due course, it spreads to other fields as the khazan paddy fields are made of alluvial soil (chikol). They explained in their memorandum that the bridge would impact the khazan lands’ delicate structure, which has been formed by reclaiming low-lying lands from the River Zuari.
The farmers’ delegation, which included several senior members of the community, expressed their fear that the Borim bridge project would devastate their agricultural lands and impact their livelihoods. They stressed that the khazan lands are not only agricultural lands, but also a source of income and sustenance for many families in Loutolim. The construction of the bridge, they said, would threaten these resources, leading to economic hardship for the local communities.
One of the key voices in the delegation was 96-year-old Domingo Costa, a veteran farmer who, along with others, attended the meeting. Costa made an emotional plea to the Union Agriculture Minister and the government, urging them not to destroy the khazans by constructing the Borim bridge through their fields.
He emphasised that they have maintained the khazan lands of Loutolim in the sustainable, immaculate way of their ancestors and preserved intricate community knowledge of these World Heritage agro-pisciculture wonders. Costa pointed out that the project threatens the best-maintained khazan lands of entire Goa.
The farmers welcomed the government's initiatives aimed at reviving agriculture in Goa, stating that such efforts could have a positive impact on the entire State's agricultural landscape. However, they strongly insisted that any development should not come at the cost of destroying their unique heritage. They expressed hope that the Union Minister would use his influence to persuade the Union Highway Ministry to reconsider the current plans for the Borim bridge and explore alternatives that would protect the khazan lands.
Pointing to how the Khazan lands along the river have a long history of sustainable land use and management, providing both ecological and economic benefits, The farmers argued that preserving these lands is not only crucial for their community, but also for the environmental conservation of the region.