Chandor school students to protect village biodiversity

Following an interaction with Chandor-Cavirom Village Biodiversity Management Committee Chairman on 23rd August, students of St. Joseph’s Educational Institute, Chandor resolved to protect the biodiversity of the twin villages of Chandor-Cavorim, Guirdolim with special emphasis on protecting the water bodies and controlling the growth of weeds.

 The above was decided at an interaction, that the core committee of the project undertaken by the school namely, WIPRO Earthian Sustainability Program under the thematic area ‘Biodiversity and Sustainability’ organised by the WIPRO foundation in collaboration with the State Council for Science and Technology, Saligao and C. P. R. Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC) Chennai.

The core committee members sought information about the water bodies in the village; where it was revealed that the biggest lake in the village namely ‘Oilem Tollem’ is badly in need of quick attention as it has silted over the years and is not maintained well due to insufficient funds for the same by the Communidade of Cavorim that owns it. The other water body identified was the pond at ‘Ghotli’ which as per legend was the place where the horses of the Kadamba Dynasty used to quench their thirst. Another story is that the Kadamba dynasty princesses used to come to this pond to bathe. The other water body identified was the storm drain called the ‘Oll’ which passes through Cavorim and Chandor ultimately to join river Khusawati.

 It was also noted that the uncontrolled growth of weeds is critically affecting the biodiversity as they thwart the growth of regular plants, many of which are seen totally covered with creepers that curtails photosynthesis of the normal plants.

The school students after seeking permission from the Communidade of Cavorim, plan to visit ‘Oilem Tollem’ – which is scheduled to be declared as a wetland – regularly besides, also planting some trees there. In addition, the students will also control the growth of weeds.