The Department of Political Science organized a field trip to Khazans Land, Loutolim, Goa on 16th August 2025 for the T.Y.B.A. students enrolled in the paper VET POL-321: Environment and Sustainable Development. The visit was conducted as part of the practical component of the syllabus.
The field trip aimed to familiarize students with the origin and ecological importance of Khazans. To highlight Khazans as a traditional practice of aquaculture and agricultural sustainability. And to encourage critical reflection on the relationship between environment, livelihood, and development.
The session was led by Mr. Albert E. F. Pinheiro (Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Excise, Retd., and Chairman of Loutolim Khazans Land). He elaborated on the genesis and functioning of Khazans. the significance of paddy fields, poiem (bunds), and sluice gates in Goan agrarian life and the sustainability potential of Khazans for future generations.
Students engaged in a lively discussion on the contemporary threats to Khazans, particularly the challenges arising from governmental land acquisition policies for development projects. This helped them to link classroom theories with ground realities of environmental governance. The field trip saw the active participation of 13 VET students of T.Y.B.A. Political Science, accompanied by Ms. Fouzia Rizvi, faculty of the department.
The visit to Khazans Land provided students with first-hand exposure to one of Goa’s most significant ecological and socio-economic systems. It proved to be an enriching experience, sensitizing them to the importance of traditional practices in ensuring sustainability while also highlighting the policy challenges threatening such ecosystems.