PANAJI
A mangrove plantation drive was held on the Nerul side mud flat at Saipem-Candolim, as part of Come lets Man-groive initiative by St Joseph Vaz college, Cortalim, on June 9 on the occasion of World Oceans Day.
Students and the ex-students of St Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim and members of Chicalim Youth Farmers Club under the guidance of Dr Fr Bolmax Pereira planted propagules of 2 types of mangrove species.
The mangrove species planted were Rhizophora mucronata and Kandelia candel. Around 300 propagules on Nerul side mud flat at Saipem-Candolim and 50 propagules on the Saipem side were planted.
The plantation drive was carried out during low tide which was between 9.30 am and 11 am. The activity was supported by the proprietor of Heritage Hotels, Cansaulim.
“Mangrove plantation drive is a real fun. Although I was initially reluctant to step into the muck, I didn’t want the activity to conclude so soon,” said Muskan Kumari, a second year BSc student.
Jayson Fernandes, a Botany graduate who passed out last academic year, said: “When we inspected this site on May 23, it looked an easy job but getting into a boat and crossing over to the other side to plant gave me a hope that we can travel across Goa to conduct such important tasks for Mother nature.”
Added Xavier Mohan, a member of Chicalim Youth Farmers Club: “I would be more thrilled to see the outcome of this activity after the monsoons.”
Jerico Vaz of CYFC appealed to all young people to join such initiative.
