Goa is amongst the smallest of Indian states. Occupying a land area of barely 3700 square kilometres, this small but picturesque land is more known for its silver sandy beaches and the endless nightlife party culture. What is not so well known is that small state is crisscrossed by eleven rivers and forty-two tributaries. Together the basins of these rivers comprise of about 2530 square kilometres or nearly 70% of the total land area of the state. This makes Goa’s backwater system an integral part of the state's lifeline. Most of these rivers originate from the thick forests of the Western Ghats and comprise of an intricate system of lakes, canals, bays, lagoons, creeks and tidal marshes. Bordering these rivers lie the beautiful villages of hinterland Goa where life revolves around the riverine system be it paddy cultivation or traditional fishing.
Mandovi and Zuari are two of the biggest rivers of Goa. Mandovi originates in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and sustains seven of the eleven districts of Goa. Amongst its tributaries are the river Mapusa along which dot beautiful villages like Aldona in North Goa. Mandovi is also known as Mhadei or the ‘great mother’, revealing the reverence locals have for this majestic river.
Zuari is the longest river in the state and almost entirely originates in the state. It covers six districts of Goa and covers a zig-zag stretch of about 145 kilometres before meeting the Arabian sea at Dona Paula. Zuari river also hosts the Netravali forest sanctuary. Both these rivers are crucial to Goa’s ecology and lifeline – be it tourism, fishing, transport, agriculture, wildlife, forests or potable water.
Terekhol is Goa’s northernmost river that originates in Maharashtra. It flows a distance of 28 kilometres and runs almost along the coast before draining in the Arabian Sea. The historic fort of Terekhol is a star attraction along this river. River Colvale also originates in Maharastra and flows a distance of 31 kilometres before draining into the Arabian sea.
Both these rivers constitute a lifeline to the North Goa districts of Pernem and Bicholim. Apart from being rich in marine life, one can also find an incredible variety of birds along these river stretches. It is also easy to cruise these beautiful backwater stretches using luxurious houseboats and experience the real Goa – A Goa comprising of its quaint villages with clean streets, beautiful villas, and free of traffic, pollution and parking woes. For those looking to invest in a second home in Goa, this is a much more attractive option to consider relative to beachside Goa. Sal and Talpona are rivers that originate in Karnataka and each run through Canacona district of South Goa. Both cover a length of around 30 kilometres. Both are important sources of potable water to South Goa.
These are smaller rivers that flow through the state each covering between eight and ten kilometres each. Unfortunately, some of these rivers notably Baga rivers have become polluted as they flow downstream through the beachside belt into the Arabian Sea. Rampant construction alongside the river, in the beachside belt and reckless discharge of waste by hotels and restaurants, have choked the natural drainage of the river.
Goa is blessed with the bounty of nature. This bounty is sustained by its rivers and the water-bodies like lakes and marshes. These rivers have sustained the Goan civilization along the centuries. They give everything and ask in return nothing. The least we can do is respect them and preserve them for future generations. Instead of rampant large scale construction, low density housing projects should be considered to preserve the river ecology. Rivers are the lifeline of civilization. The Goan riverine system is a delicate design of nature that supplies water, food, transport, prevents floods, sustains flora and fauna. Preserving it for future generations is imperative for sustaining the Goan civilization.