A team from NITI Aayog is set to visit Goa to assess the state government's ambitious proposal to revive 10,000 hectares of khazan land—low-lying estuarine floodplains historically used for agriculture, fishing, and salt production. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the upcoming visit, stating that the team will review the proposal and submit recommendations to the Union Ministry of Agriculture. These recommendations are expected to help the state secure vital financial support for the project.
At the recent NITI Aayog governing council meeting, Sawant emphasized the urgent need for substantial funding to repair embankments, restore sluice gates, and desilt traditional waterways. He underscored the revival of khazan lands as a crucial step toward enhancing agricultural productivity, supporting fisheries, and safeguarding Goa’s delicate coastal ecosystems for future generations.
Dating back to around 400 AD, khazan lands are a unique man-made landscape protected by a sophisticated system of bunds and tide-regulating gates. Once a cornerstone of Goa’s rural economy, approximately 4,000 hectares have been lost over the past three decades due to neglect, urbanization, and the tourism boom. With previous requests for ₹500 crore in central assistance, this marks the third attempt by the state to secure funding. The government hopes that restoration efforts will rejuvenate traditional livelihoods and bring long-neglected land back into productive use.