Several villagers from Dabolim and Chicalim depend on selling clams (tisreos) collected from the Vareg island at Chicalim for their livelihood. The area happens to be a rich breeding ground for clams, windowpane oysters and other species of marine life. However it is learnt that this year the clams have not returned to their most resourceful area leaving the locals who depend on this natural resource for their livelihood in despair. It is understood that various factors and water pollution have destroyed the natural habitat of the now extinct scheduled species called windowpane oysters which is also known as the ‘mother of pearl oysters’. The locals also need to show refrain while removing these clams and they should not remove the stones which are the natural habitat of this marine life which is unique to the Chicalim Bay. The Chicalim Bay needs to be protected from all man-made calamities at old cost so that future generations get to know and enjoy the clams and oysters from this place which is rich with marine life. The local authorities and the village panchayat need to take necessary steps in order to conserve this rich biodiversity.
