PONDA: The disturbing and mischievous trend of arson at Mardol’s beloved Zayo (Jasmine) Plantations persists, with unknown individuals continuing to set fire to these cherished farms. The impact of these acts is dire, as sixty families whose livelihoods depend on Zayos are gravely concerned about the survival of their plantations.
Owners of Zayo plantations are now urgently calling upon the government to take decisive action in safeguarding their precious Zayo cultivation and the livelihoods tied to it.
Mardol has long been renowned for its lush Zayo flowers, adored by residents throughout Goa, becoming a defining feature of the village’s identity. Zaya Pooja, a cherished celebration held at the Mahalsa Temple, features exquisite decorations by the Fulkar Samaj of Mardol and has earned fame across the entire state of Goa. Every family involved in Zayo cultivation participates wholeheartedly, offering their Zayos for this revered ritual.
The fragrant Zayos from Mardol are famed far and wide, treasured by flower enthusiasts across Goa. However, with the persistent threat of arson haunting the Zayo plantations, these vital crops teeter on the brink of extinction. Malekars or Zayo growers, suspect that this destruction is a deliberate attempt to clear the land for the benefit of a powerful builder lobby eyeing the very grounds where the Zayo plantations flourish.
Pratap Naik, the President of Mardol Fulkar Samaj, expressed deep concern, stating, “Incidents of Zayo plantation fires in Mardol have become alarmingly frequent. Complaints have been duly lodged with the Veling Priol Kunkalye Panchayat and the local police station, but the culprits remain elusive.” He emphasized the urgent need to identify and penalize those responsible, highlighting that Zayo production has plummeted by 50% due to these destructive fires.
“The Zayo growers laboriously tend to their crops for a mere three months, from August to October,” Pratap Naik lamented. “It is disheartening that unknown individuals have ignited these devastating fires on three separate occasions, causing immeasurable losses to our community,” he further said.
Harsha Gaude, the Sarpanch of Veling-Priol-Kunkalye, acknowledged the severity of the situation. She revealed that some Zayo farmers had submitted applications to the panchayat seeking financial assistance to cope with the damages inflicted upon their Zayo plantations. These applications have since been forwarded to the Agriculture Department in the hope of securing much-needed compensation for the affected families.
