For nature to exhibit its radiant light, especially at dusk and later into the night on any day in the form of the magical glow of the bioluminescent fireflies, the conducive atmosphere has to be present, as we are no longer able to bask in the wonder of fireflies in Panaji and surrounding areas. This is the result of the intermittent oxidation of the enzyme luciferase, which is secreted by the fireflies and emits a yellowish-green glow in abundance, leading to a wonderful aura of light in the night. It may be recalled that in Bairro Altos dos Pilotos, behind Panjim Residency, the Children’s Park at Campal, as well as in the area surrounding the Cidade de Goa hotel in Dona Paula, in yesteryears, hundreds of fireflies were visible in the night sky, shining their luminous glow that created a magnificent and magical ambience. Nature lovers and even tourists, be they foreigners or from other states, would be keen to watch this phenomenon, which would keep the charm of the city and its environs as an added attraction at night. This writer would wish to know if fireflies at night are still seen in other parts of Goa, especially in our rustic abodes.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
