When we think of Goa’s landscape, we often picture vibrant beaches, pristine forests and waterfalls. We seldom consider Goa's plateaus, which are, in fact, ecological wonders.
These plateaus are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare flowers, plants and grasses that are endemic to the region.
Unfortunately, these unique spaces are increasingly being transformed into concrete jungles, with industrial estates, housing projects, and even large-scale developments like the Mopa airport encroaching upon them.
PLATEAU REALITY
There’s a common perception that Goa’s plateaus are barren lands, but is that really the case? And, what does the future hold for these landscapes? These questions and more were addressed at the fourth session of the ‘Miramar Dialogues’, organised by WWF-INDIA Goa, titled 'Where Have All The Flowers On Our Plateaus Gone?'
In his address, researcher and professor, Dr Ashish Prabhugaonkar emphasised that plateaus are rich in endemism and are a natural gift to Goans and must be conserved. However, he pointed out that there has been no comprehensive study or specialised research on Goa's plateaus.
He explained, “Plateaus are not just flat lands on top of a hill, but contain various areas like grasslands, puddles, rock crevices, etc. Each plant requires a specific niche to thrive, and experts have identified around 26 different microhabitats on plateaus.
Botanist and agro-expert, Miguel Braganza, explained that the Mopa area, which is a plateau and now home to an airport, is having a negative impact on the villages situated below it.
Researcher and professor, Dr Ashish Prabhugaonkar emphasised that plateaus are rich in endemism and are a natural gift to Goans and must be conserved. However, he pointed out that there has been no comprehensive study or specialised research on Goa's plateaus.
The villagers are already facing water shortages, starting from February, as rainwater no longer percolates into the ground, leading to flooding during the monsoons, he revealed.
He also highlighted the cultural significance of plants and flowers, such as the sonki flowers used during Chaturthi, which are found on these plateaus. He emphasised that such practices play a vital role in preserving these spaces from destruction and concretisation.
UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS & IMPACT OF MODERNISATION
Dr Prabhugaonkar, who discovered the new flowering species Dipcadi goaense in 2008 at Kevona Plateau, in Quepem, shared that this site has now been converted into a football ground, resulting in a significant reduction of the plant’s spread, now limited to just one-fourth of its original range.
He also noted that two additional sites in South Goa, where this endemic species is found, have since been identified.
“We tried to convince the Kevona area Panchayat to conserve that space, but our suggestion was ignored. There is no awareness about these ecological spaces the way there is about mangroves or wetlands. Also, there is no political will to work on their conservation,” he added.
During the discussion, the topic of the Bhagwati Plateau in Canacona was raised, as the government is planning to construct a film city in the area. Braganza emphasised that in order to conserve this plateau, which is rich in both biodiversity and cultural significance, there should be an economic incentive for the villagers to protect it.
Prabhugaonkar suggested designating the Bhagwati area as a reserve or bio zone, given its proximity to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, to help preserve its rich biodiversity.
He also shared fascinating aspects of these plateaus, such as a species of flowering plant that blooms after a grass fire, which occurs naturally during the hot summer. Additionally, he highlighted the presence of an insectivorous plant species.
He also shared fascinating aspects of these plateaus, such as a species of flowering plant that blooms after a grass fire, which occurs naturally during the hot summer. Additionally, he highlighted the presence of an insectivorous plant species.
The plateau looks different in every season, he shared. Mass blooming occurs from August to September, with Dipcadi flowers blooming from the end of July to the first week of August, followed by legume plants and then balsams.
After the flowering period, a variety of grasses emerge, with at least 10 endemic grass species found in the area.
He added that different species of moths, bees, dragonflies, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, microorganism, work in harmony to maintain and support this unique ecosystem.
Prabhugaonkar stated that Goa is fortunate to have natural watershed management systems, unlike neighbouring Maharashtra, which spends crores of rupees on similar initiatives.
On the issue of the concretisation of plateaus, Braganza suggested conducting a comparative study between the Mopa and Bhagwati plateaus to analyse the impact of concretisation, particularly in relation to water conservation, flooding, and other environmental factors.
Prabhugaonkar stated that Goa is fortunate to have natural watershed management systems, unlike neighbouring Maharashtra, which spends crores of rupees on similar initiatives.
He revealed that while significant research is being conducted in Karnataka and Maharashtra, not much is being done in Goa. He highlighted that in the Konkan area, the plateau where Dipcadi concanensis is found is well preserved.
He suggested that people visit plateaus found in various parts of Goa to admire their beauty and wonder, and in doing so, they will realise that these landscapes are far from barren.