Engineering Research Highlights Centuries-Old Embankment System That Protected Goa’s Khazan Lands, Salt Pans and Agricultural Fields
Farmagudi, Goa: Traditional Goan Saraswat Bunds (TGSBs), the centuries-old embankment systems that helped reclaim land from the sea and sustain Goa’s famed khazan ecosystems, have been found to be remarkably stable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, according to a research study conducted by Leonardo Souza and Prof. Purnanand Savoikar of Goa Engineering College.
The study, titled “Design of Traditional Goan Saraswat Bunds”, examines the engineering principles behind these ancient structures that have played a crucial role in land reclamation, flood protection, salt farming, pisciculture, agriculture and transportation across Goa for generations.
Backbone of Goa’s Traditional Economy
According to the study, traditional bunds were instrumental in transforming Goa’s marshy coastal landscapes into productive agricultural fields, salt pans and habitable land. Constructed using locally available materials, the embankments served multiple functions including:
- Protection against tidal flooding
- Land reclamation
- Rainwater harvesting
- Salt production
- Fish farming
- Road connectivity across wetlands
- Stabilisation of slopes and low-lying terrain
Researchers noted that many of these structures have survived for centuries due to regular maintenance and the ingenuity of traditional engineering practices.
Unique Design with Coconut Trees
One of the most distinctive features of the Traditional Goan Saraswat Bunds is the double row of coconut trees planted along the top of the embankments.
The study found that the extensive root systems of coconut trees significantly improve slope stability and help reinforce the structure naturally. Computer modelling indicated that bunds with coconut root systems demonstrated substantially better performance under seismic and stress conditions compared to bunds without root reinforcement.
Researchers observed that the root systems act as a natural geogrid, binding the soil together and reducing the risk of slope failure.
Built with Local Materials
Traditional construction methods involved the use of:
- Dredged river sand
- Burnt shell lime
- Coconut leaf fibres
- Coconut jaggery molasses
- Rice straw layers
- Cow dung and ash
- Laterite stone pitching
Layers were compacted using traditional techniques, including wooden rammers and bullock-driven compaction methods.
The embankments were protected by thick laterite stone pitching and featured carefully designed slopes and berms to enhance stability.
Scientifically Tested
The researchers used advanced geotechnical software including OptumG2, GeoStudio and MIDAS GTS NX to evaluate the stability and safety of traditional bund designs.
The analysis found that:
- Bunds up to 24 metres in height maintained acceptable safety factors.
- Traditional bunds of 1 to 9 metres, which are common in Goa, were exceptionally stable.
- Water-retaining bunds showed strong resistance to failure.
- Coconut-root reinforcement improved stability by more than 25 percent in seismic conditions.
- The structures performed well under earthquake simulations.
The minimum factors of safety recorded remained within acceptable engineering standards.
Importance for Khazan Lands and Salt Pans
The findings are particularly significant for Goa’s traditional khazan lands and salt pans, many of which are increasingly under pressure from neglect, urbanisation and changing land-use patterns.
Experts believe the study highlights the value of indigenous engineering knowledge and offers lessons for modern sustainable infrastructure development.
The researchers argue that Traditional Goan Saraswat Bunds represent a rare example of long-term environmentally friendly engineering that successfully integrated agriculture, water management and coastal protection.
Call for Conservation
The study concludes that these ancient structures deserve greater recognition and conservation.
With rising concerns over climate change, flooding, coastal erosion and loss of traditional livelihoods, researchers believe that preserving and restoring Goa’s bund systems could contribute significantly to sustainable land and water management strategies.
They also recommend further studies on seepage control, permeability and long-term maintenance practices to strengthen future conservation efforts.
As Goa continues to grapple with environmental challenges and rapid development, the research serves as a reminder that some of the most effective engineering solutions may already exist within the state’s traditional heritage.
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