St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim–Goa, organised an educational field visit to the khazan fields in and around Cortalim to familiarise students with one of Goa’s most distinctive indigenous land and water management systems. The initiative was organised by the Department of Botany, Nature Club, and Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Cell in collaboration with the Khazan Society of Goa.
Around 40 students took part in the visit, which aimed to provide hands-on exposure to the ecological, cultural, and scientific significance of khazans. Architect Tallulah D’Silva of the Khazan Society of Goa guided the students, offering detailed explanations on the origin, structure, and functioning of khazans. She highlighted traditional water management techniques, including the role of bunds and sluice gates, and explained how local communities have sustainably used these systems for agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation over generations.
Students also interacted with local practitioners, including khazan farmer and caretaker Santan Muniz of the Sancoale khazans, who shared practical insights into daily management practices. A traditional Ponnel boat ride through the mangrove-lined waterways further enriched the learning experience, introducing participants to indigenous modes of transport and navigation associated with the khazan ecosystem.
As part of the IKS-based learning approach, students closely observed the natural surroundings and gained a deeper understanding of the ecological importance of khazans. The system was presented as a living example of traditional knowledge that supports biodiversity, prevents saline intrusion, sustains agriculture, and protects local livelihoods.
The programme was coordinated by Fr. Bolmax Pereira of the Department of Botany and Nature Club, along with Ms. Manali Acharya, Coordinator of the IKS Cell, who accompanied and guided the students. The field visit was supported by the Goa State Council of Science & Technology under the Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management, Government of Goa.
The initiative helped bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, reinforcing the importance of conserving Goa’s traditional knowledge systems and ecological heritage.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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