The Kids for Tigers National Programme was relaunched in Goa last week at the St Lawrence High School in Agassaim. Around 12 schools from Panjim, Bambolim, Batim, Goa Velha, Pilar, Verna, Sao Jose de Areal and Agassaim attended the half day event. Nearly 500 students were taken in small groups for nature trails all around the lush green hillock of the school campus in proximity to the Zuari river. The trails were led by Goa’s experts, environmentalists, research scholars, botanists, snake rescuers, herpetologists, educators and activists - Rajendra Kerkar, Botanist Dr Fr Bolmax Pereira, Benhail Antao, Gitesh Gaikwad, Vitthal Shelke, Neola Pereira and Vishal Rawlley.
The students coming from rural villages and urban areas had a chance to see the diversity of trees, shrubs and herbs. Did you know the Agassaim school hillock is a hotspot for biodiversity? The intoxicating fragrance of the Bakul tree, the buds of the Tetu Tree that flower in the night and the fruits of which are relished by bats made unforgettable memories for the students as they understood the food chain and wonders of nature left undisturbed.
Some students were shown wild edibles and seasonal vegetables like the Dundunyachi bhaji (only the tender leaves are eaten), the sour leaves of the Ambadi/ begonia crenata, the Chandivada Tree- the leaves of which are used to wrap wild berries and vegetables, an effective alternative to single use plastic bags. There were many wild flowers along the paths- commelina or the mickey mouse plant, coat button, touch me not, etc. Another group learnt how the tender leaves of the Teak Tree lend a red colour when crushed and it is used in food as well as making disposable plates.
One group saw eggs, caterpillars and pupa of the Common Emigrant butterfly on the Cassia Fistula, its host plant. Did you know that farmers use the flowering of this tree in summer, as it bursts into a bright yellow inflorescence, to predict the beginning of monsoons?
As the students walked along the line of coconut trees near the campus, they learnt about the state tree of Goa - matti, the tree of water. The students also sighted Badam tree, Jungli Badam, Ber, Peru and medicinal plants like the Gulvel, Tere, etc. The Hasan Tree was a surprise and Shri Kerkar explained how the bark of this tree is boiled and the decoction relieves hypertension!
Some students were shown how certain leaves can be woven and toys can be made from them! Finally some groups were shown natural caves which are known to have large Indian Rock pythons and this area has been conserved for flora and fauna to thrive.
Many students were so aware about nature's bounty and were concerned about current environmental issues that plague Goa.
The students also participated in painting a cloth scroll with drawings and messages on conserving forests, wildlife and tigers, using tiger as a metaphor for all of nature. The students also participated in face painting, making flower rakhis, making collages/ rangolis using marigold flower petals with designs celebrating the tiger!
The collaborating teams from Vivekananda Environment Awareness Brigade and the Diocesan Commission for Ecology leant support with logistics and resources for the event while UZWAAD and The Travelling Dome presented very powerful street plays that resonated the appeal to conserve forests and save tigers.
After returning from the outdoor sessions, the children compiled a memorandum that was essentially an appeal to the Government and local representatives to wake up to the destruction of forests, fragmentation of wildlife, diversion of rivers and the death of tigers!
In the era of climate change, these forests are the only safeguard against natural disasters, rising temperatures, depleting fresh water, polluted air and depleting biodiversity. The appeal also stated the recommendations and demarcation of a Tiger Reserve in Goa by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. This letter will now go out to more representatives in the Government with the hope that the voices of children will be heard and acknowledged.
While children have understood the importance of protecting the environment and are continuously and consistently involved in campaigns that are pro-environment, it is the adults, parents, local representatives, our MP’s and MLA’s that seem unaware and indifferent to this cause when in reality this group is the reason we find ourselves at this juncture of extreme and nearly irreversible impacts of climate change and environmental destruction.
And it is ironic that we are leaving a plagued and sick planet for our future generations! Despite the Supreme Court Judgement where the High Court has directed the State Government to declare the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas as a Tiger Reserve within three months, nothing has been done till date while the state is currently grappling with massive land conversions, hill cutting, filling up of low lying fields, sale of land for resorts, villas, farm houses, gated communities with swimming pools, malls et al! In the aftermath of the enormous landslides in Wayanad, Goa too is in the red with 52% desertification because of loss of tree cover and a sea of migration hitting Goa for new homes, hotels and restaurants.
Goa has places named after the Tiger-Vagator, Vaghurme, Vagheri, where the roar of the tiger was often heard. We once worshipped the tiger as Vaghro Dev. Then why are we in denial? Why are we killing tigers?
The children at the Kids for Tigers re-launch programme asserted, ‘ We do not want Tiger Theme Park, Tiger resort, Tiger Villas, Tiger Malls! We want our forests, our rivers, our flora, our fauna, our Tigers! Zai amkam wag, bhag neta bhag! Nhoi Aamchim Mai, Vag amkam zai!’
(Tallulah D’Silva is an Architect and silver awardee of the Golden Door Award 2020 for truth and integrity)