MAPUSA
In a significant move to address the longstanding issue of khazan land inundation, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive study to find a solution within the next six months.
This decision was communicated during a session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, amid rising concerns over the condition of these ecologically and culturally vital lands.
Chief Minister Sawant also assured that his government would explore the possibility of securing funds from the Ministry of National Waterways for the reconstruction of breached bunds across the State.
“The ingress of saline water into khazan lands is a problem affecting the entire State. This has led to the proliferation of mangroves in these areas. Despite our efforts in building bunds, many people are neither cultivating these fields nor engaging in pisciculture,” Sawant stated.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to bringing more khazan land under cultivation and highlighted the urgency of resolving this issue.
The announcement came in response to a calling attention motion moved by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who expressed deep concern over the destruction of bunds and the unchecked growth of mangroves in khazan fields. Amonkar underscored the heritage value of khazan land, noting that it is unique to Goa and necessitates immediate protection and rehabilitation efforts.
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar echoed these concerns, warning that without timely intervention, residential areas could also face inundation.
“The state government only makes promises. Why can’t the double engine government come to the rescue of the khazan land? Is the central government paralysed or in a coma?” Borkar criticised, calling for more proactive measures from both state and central authorities.
Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral proposed the establishment of a Khazan Board to oversee the maintenance and protection of these lands.
He urged the Chief Minister to take immediate steps to form such a board, which would streamline efforts and resources dedicated to this cause.
Adding to the discussion, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat reminded the House of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the State Government and the Union Ministry of Waterways.
Kamat suggested that this MoU could be instrumental in channeling funds necessary for the preservation and restoration of khazan lands.
The khazan lands, unique to Goa, are an intricate system of reclaimed lands that involve a network of bunds and sluice gates designed to control the entry of saline water and promote agriculture and aquaculture.
However, in recent years, these lands have been threatened by neglect, climate change, and human activity, leading to a decline in their traditional use and ecological health.
