Water, wildlife & warning signs: Forest-born researcher fights for Mhadei
Team Herald
MARGAO: In the quiet forested village of Maloli, in Goa’s northern Sattari taluka, 28-year-old Sandhya Mahadev Gaonkar grew up with nature as her closest neighbour. “I was born and raised in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary,” she says. “I’ve seen first-hand how people live alongside wildlife—not in conflict, but in harmony.”
This rare relationship with nature drew her to the Goa Water Stories project, where her research explored the deep interconnections between the Mhadei River, the sanctuary’s biodiversity, and the villagers who depend on both for survival.
A master’s degree holder in Konkani, Sandhya viewed the project not as a mere academic exercise but as a homecoming. “Our communities have always depended on nature—not exploited it,” she explains. “Whether it’s farming, fishing or gathering resources, we’ve learned to adapt without disturbing the forest or the animals that live in it.”
Her research was supported by environmental scholars Dr. Prakash and Dr. Sulochana Pednekar, as well as mentor Wency, all of whom helped her navigate the complexities of water conservation within protected areas. With their guidance, Sandhya deepened her understanding of how water sustains life—not just for people, but for entire ecosystems.
“The Mhadei River is the lifeline of this sanctuary,” she says. “It nourishes the plants and trees, supports a huge variety of birds and animals, and provides clean water to the people living nearby. Without it, none of us could survive here.”
But even as she studied the sanctuary’s beauty, Sandhya became increasingly aware of its fragility. Overextraction, deforestation, and unregulated tourism have begun to threaten this carefully balanced system. “We cannot take these rivers and forests for granted. Every drop of water in the Mhadei is part of a much bigger picture,” she says.
One of the most impactful moments of her research was simply walking the familiar forest trails with fresh eyes. “This project changed how I see water. It’s not just a resource—it’s a lifeline for every living thing here. When we manage water carelessly, we’re not just wasting it; we’re endangering entire species.”
Through her work, Sandhya hopes to raise awareness about the need for responsible water use and habitat protection. “People need to understand how interconnected everything is. You can’t damage one part of the ecosystem and expect the rest to stay the same.”
Her dream is for a Goa where environmental protection and human well-being go hand in hand. “I want a future where development is sustainable, tourism is eco-friendly, and the rivers and forests are preserved for generations to come,” she says.
For her, conservation is not a choice—it’s an obligation. “I didn’t read about these forests in a textbook. I grew up in them. This is my home, and protecting it is personal.” In a state that increasingly sees its natural bounty commodified, Sandhya’s voice stands as a reminder: that real knowledge begins with lived experience, and real change begins with care.
Goa Water Stories is a collaboration with the Living Waters Museum, the Centre for Public Policy and Governance at the Goa Institute of Management, the Goa University and the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts