Did you know that Goa's khazans are man-made agricultural systems that were built from locally available natural resources?
Goa| Khazans| Traditional Bundh Making|
ANCIENT SYSTEM
Built along Goa's riverside, khazans are floodplains which are constructed with the help of embankments or bundhs and sluice gates.
Goa| Khazans| Floodplains|
GREAT EXPERTISE
Built centuries ago, these khazans exemplify the deep knowledge the community had about simple engineering concepts, the ecology and local climatic conditions.
Goa| Khazans| Floodplains| Ancient System| | Photo: Arti Das
PROTECTIVE BARRIERS
The outer dykes (made from mud and clay) acted as protection against saline water entering the lands, while the inner embankments further restricted soil erosion.
Goa| Khazans| Embankments| Wetlands |
AUTOMATED
Sluice gate shutters open and close with the tidal movement of waters, regulating saline water while the poiem acts as reservoir for fish eggs and larvae.
Goa| Khazans| Ancient System| | Photo: Roxanne D'silva
GOA'S FOOD SECURITY
Khazans serve as areas for the cultivation of rice, a source of fish and salt for Goans and also support a ton of biodiversity.
Goa| Khazans| Food Security| Saltpans |
UNDER ATTACK
Despite their ecological services and heritage value, Goa's khazans today face threats from illegal constructions, unplanned development and neglect.
Goa| Khazans| Illegal Constructions| Threatened |
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