In celebration of World Water Day on 22nd March, the SY BSc students of St.Joseph Vaz College Cortalim-Goa, embarked on an educational visit to the traditional kullagar managed by Purva Farm, Dabal, followed by a visit to a nearby dam on Codli River, in celebration of World Water Day as part of their Ecotourism Botany field trip. The visit was aimed at understanding the importance of water conservation, raising awareness about water resource management, and observing the current condition of the river.
The river, an essential source of water for the local community, holds historical significance for the Dabal-Codli region.It supplies water to many kullagars and ecofarms that line up on the banks of the river. One such farm is Purva Farm, curated by Mr Nilesh Prabhu Velguenkar, who holds a diploma in Computer engineering. “After working for 5 years as a computer engineer, I switched over to Agro business considering the availability of ancestral land, easy accessibility to river water and application of technological advances that we work out in our own farm” said Mr Nilesh sharing his personal experiences with the students.
“Here’s a real natural treasure all around. However, our observations revealed several environmental concerns, including irresponsible waste dumping into the river by the adventure buffs and picnickers visiting the dam, and the management of mining pollution from nearby Codli mines does affect this natural treasure.” said Natasha Nadaf, SY BSc student.
Connecting to the theme of World Water Day 2025 “Preserving Glaciers” Rev Dr Bolmax Pereira, Assistant Professor of Botany said “The glacial retreat caused by ever increasing temperatures is causing sea level rise at a speed faster than what was expected earlier. Hence, conserving the fresh water from our springs and rivers becomes more relevant for the survival of our common home. Hence use water sparingly and enjoy responsibly”
The visit to the Codli River served as a reminder of the crucial role water plays in sustaining life. It is essential for all of us to take responsibility for preserving our water resources and ensuring their cleanliness. On this World Water Day, let us pledge to make conscious efforts towards water conservation for the benefit of both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
Report by Natasha Nadaf