MARGAO
After Cyclone Tauktae left behind a trail of destruction along Salcete coastline, a group of citizens under the banner of Zagrut Xaxttikars resolved to plant over 1000 saplings all along the coast to protect it from sea erosion.
The initiative was blessed by Fr Anthony Rodrigues and Fr Milagres Dias as members of the group went about planting the saplings, beginning from Benaulm.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Anthony said Saxttikars have always been in the forefront in every battle Goa has witnessed pre and post-liberation era.
Activist Santan Pereira said Monsoon is the best time to plant sapping, saying that an initiative of this kind around 20 years ago might have saved the coast today.
Activist Jose Fernandes said around 1100 fruit bearing and medicinal plants, including Cashew and the pine trees will be planted around the coast protect it from erosion.
