PANJIM: Alongside the serene mangrove swamps near Four Pillars in Panjim, lives Suraj Salgaonkar, a man who has found his calling in the depths of the brackish waters. At the young age of 16, Salgaonkar began exploring the underwater world out of curiosity, and soon discovered a love for oysters. Now, at 37 years old, he spends most of his time in the mangroves, diving up to 15 feet deep to find the prized mollusks that have now become his livelihood.
For Salgaonkar, the mangrove swamps are not just a workplace, but a home where he feels most comfortable. He claims he spends more time here than at his actual home and takes pride in his unique method of extracting oysters using nothing but his bare hands. Salgaonkar also catches crabs using the age-old traditional method, showcasing his deep knowledge of the local ecosystem.
However, the environmental degradation of the wetlands near Four Pillars is disheartening, says Salgaonkar. In recent years, he has found it increasingly difficult to find oysters due to pollution from beer bottles and plastic garbage that litter the waters. Additionally, the mangroves have become a site for Asthi Visarjan or immersion of human ashes, and Ganesh idols are also immersed here during the Ganesh Utsav festival. Salgaonkar laments the loss of his beloved ecosystem and urges the government to take action to safeguard the health of the wetlands and the coastal environments in Goa.
Salgaonkar is also skilled in the repair and restoration of old boats and canoes, which provides additional income for his family. Despite the challenges he faces in his line of work, Salgaonkar continues to persevere with a deep love and respect for the environment that has given him so much. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
