Goemkapronn desk
CANACONA: While the pressure mounts on the government to abandon its plans to construct a film city in Canacona, a survey conducted way back in 2018 to assess Mammal presence on the eco-sensitive Bhagwati Plateau, (where Loliem Communidade resolved to provide to the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG)), is now brought to the attention of the concerned authorities.
“Loliem village of Canacona Taluka is an Ecologically Sensitive Area as declared by the draft notification of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, by physical verification (The Gazette of India, 2015)”, states a 22-page ‘A Survey To Assess Mammal Presence On Loliem Plateau, Canacona Goa’ By Malaika Mathew Chawla Vaibhavi Vishwas Naik between May 29- June 5, 2018 for the Loliem-Polem village People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR).
Incidentally this survey report makes impresswive presence on various social media platforms, ever since, the villagers of Loliem-Polem passed a resolution not to allow ‘Film City’ nor any other developments on the eco-sensitive Bhagwati Plateau other than traditional developments.
The aim of this survey study was conducted to provide a baseline assessment of key mammal species present in a lateritic plateau ecosystem of the Western Ghats, by recording direct and indirect evidences of the species’ presence. Direct sightings as well as indirect evidences like scat, tracks, scrape marks, rake marks; burrows, quills, and digging were documented.
A total of 13 species of wild mammals (Leopard, Indian Hare, Indian Porcupine, Wild Boar, Gaur, Common Palm Civet, Sambar, Chital, Indian Pangolin,
Three-striped Palm Squirrel, Jungle Cat and Black-footed Gray Langur) were recorded on Loliem plateau during the survey period.
As many as 89 animals were documented on GPS as per their Pellets, Scat, Quill, Digging, Dung, Direct Sighting, Dropping, Peflets, Burrow.
Secondary data was also collected by means of informal interviews with local residents in and around the plateau. Respondents reported to have sighted the tiger on the plateau and used the specific vernacular nomenclature “patri wagh”.
They were able to distinguish the tiger from the leopard as the former being striped instead of spotted. This highlights the need for further exploratory surveys on Loliem plateau in order to confirm the present status of the tiger. Locals also reported golden jackal, mouse deer, mongoose and leopard cat sightings.
According to the findings of this survey report, as Loliem village of Canacona Taluka is an Ecologically Sensitive Area as declared by the draft notification of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, by physical verification (The Gazette of India, 2015), the Projects to be prohibited in the Eco-sensitive areas of the Western Ghats are categorized as mining, thermal power plants, industry and new township development projects.
These activities have been considered as having “maximum interventionist and destructive impacts on ecosystems”.
Furthermore, the draft notification states that the Government of Goa must ensure effective monitoring and enforcement of the notification by strengthening existing institutions and allowing participation of local communities in decision-making. Other Ecosensitive Areas in close proximity to Loliem village are Ponguinim amd Cotigao. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary lies 13 kilometers from Loliem.
The draft notification reiterates the importance of the Western Ghats as a global biodiversity hotspot. “Western Ghats has many unique habitats which are home to a variety of endemic species of flora and fauna such as Myristica swamps, the flat-topped lateritic plateaus, the Sholas and wetland and riverine ecosystems”.
The survey makes another case on The Ecosystem Services stating the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (Sarukhán & Whyte, 2005) defined ecosystem services as “the benefits people obtain from ecosystems.” Cultural ecosystem service has been categorized under ecosystem services and is explained as “the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences”.
And “Loliem village has a rich cultural heritage that is intrinsically linked to the natural environment- rivers, plateaus, hills, coast and ocean. The undulating village landscape-consisting of plains, hills and plateaus-
The natural ecosystem has shaped culture, religion, heritage values and knowledge systems in the region. The Bhagawati Devalay, situated on the plateau, shelters the Bhagawati deity. Goddess Bhagawati is one of the seven sisters of God Betal. The idol dates back to the 10th to 11th century AD. According to iconographic studies, the idol shows Shilahara influence. The Vaghro and Ganesha sit on either side of the Bhagawati idol. Vaghro or leopard shrine is revered by the villagers.
The plateau also forms a path through which village processions or zatra take place. During paush purnima (auspicious full moon day) in February, a procession leading to Bhagawati temple is performed. In another procession, hundreds of villagers walk towards the temple on the plateau, to invite Goddess Bhagawati for gadyanchi zatra.
A stone of cultural significance, known as ube fatar, indicates a point at the procession where vido (tobacco wrapped in betel nut leaf) is offered to the God Betal.
Lateritic Plateau Ecosystems The Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, harbours a diverse range of ecosystems such as mountains, ghat regions, plains, plateaus and riparian habitats and the survey report provides indepth knowledge into the importance of protect the Bhagwati plateau and the traditional and religious practices of Bhagwati Deity.
Further further points out that Snakes , tigers,deers, rabbit,monkeys,fox,boar,mongooes, porcupine,Bison, squirrel,moniter lizards,wolf, peacock,and other birds are there on this plateau while Cow, buffalo and goats are grazing on this plateau .
Hitesh a resident says, The plateau is the only source of water people residing downhill!!’
‘A film City at Bhagwati Plaeau will doom the village’ states another resident.
While videos of Chief minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phaldesai who promotes a Film City p0roejct in Canacona is getting negative remarks on on social media, residents have been appealing to the government to give up bringing a Film City type of developments in the village, and keept the rich biodiversity for furthere generations to cherish.