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SAO JACINTO ISLAND
[edit]Introduction
[edit]Sao Jacinto, also known as San Jacinto or São Jacinto, is an island in the estuary of the Zuari River in the Indian state of Goa. It is one amongst the few inhabited islands of Goa, which is located on the west coast of the Indian peninsula.
The island is closest to the estuary's southern banks and is connected to the mainland via a bridge with a motor-able road named "Silver Gate." [1] The island is home to an abandoned lighthouse[2] that is passionately protected by the locals. Close to the lighthouse located on top of the São Jacinto hill, stands a reconstructed St. Dominicks Peter & Paul's Chapel[3] which was originally built in the late 50s. A church dedicated to St. Hyacinth overlooks the waters of the river towards the east. Its birthday is celebrated by the villagers on the last Sunday of September.[4]
The local residents of San Jacinto, who are a fishing community, have been living there since the Portuguese times in beautiful little houses located in the South-West[5][6] of the island consisting of both native Goan and typically Portuguese Goan architecture. Earlier, there used to be a causeway that would connect São Jacinto to the mainland. [7]
Biodiversity
[edit]The island is home to a number of species and is considered a biodiversity hotspot, where species like the window-pane oysters, plate corals, clams, and crabs are found.[8] The islanders, being protective, have taken the responsibility for ensuring a balance between species conservation and fishing for a livelihood. Having disallowed commercial use of the island and obstructing the advances of industrialization, San Jacinto remains a well-conserved treasure trove of nature and natural beauty.[9]
Coastal Zone Management Controversy
[edit]A report on the Coastal Zone Management was released in 2021 and displayed at the Chicalim village Panchayat. The report failed to show any of the approximately 200 houses on the island, also stating that it hosts a chapel that dates back to 1771 and thus should be cleared off.
The people of Sao Jacinto were upset with the draft and took measures to reach out to relevant persons to protest the ignorance of the management. Before releasing the document, the political leadership had even assured the inhabitants that all houses on the island will be included in the draft before having it scrutinized it for final publication.
The draft further listed the island under the Port Limits of Mormugao Port Trust. The intention of this move is feared by the locals as it could allow the islanders to be at the mercy of the MPT which may transfer the serene land to industrial lobby groups and evict the people of Sao Jacinto in its stead.[10] The villagers have refused to accept the injustice meted out to them, solemnly resolving to protect their homeland at all costs.
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]15°24′22″N 73°51′47″E / 15.406°N 73.863°E
- ^ https://www.thegoavilla.com/goa/distanation/san-jasinto-island.html
- ^ https://www.trawell.in/goa/panjim/sao-jacinto-island-san-jacinto-island
- ^ https://www.trawell.in/goa/panjim/sao-jacinto-island-san-jacinto-island
- ^ https://www.thegoavilla.com/goa/distanation/san-jasinto-island.html
- ^ https://www.thegoavilla.com/goa/distanation/san-jasinto-island.html
- ^ https://www.trawell.in/goa/panjim/sao-jacinto-island-san-jacinto-island
- ^ https://www.thegoavilla.com/goa/distanation/san-jasinto-island.html
- ^ https://www.prudentmedia.in/politics/sao-jacinto-island-villagers-up-in-arms-against-discrepancies-in-czmp-.html
- ^ https://www.ixigo.com/sao-jacinto-island-goa-india-ne-1281232
- ^ https://www.prudentmedia.in/politics/sao-jacinto-island-villagers-up-in-arms-against-discrepancies-in-czmp-.html