SAMRUDHDI KERKAR
To truly witness the beauty of nature, one must pause and observe the ordinary. Wild grasses, often go unnoticed, yet possess a subtle charm of their own. When these grasses sway gently with the breeze, they create a soothing rhythm that is deeply pleasing to the eye. Though commonly regarded as insignificant or merely background vegetation, wild grasses play a crucial role in enriching our ecology and sustaining the environment.
Grasses form the primary source of food for herbivores, both wild and domesticated. They provide shelter and breeding grounds for numerous insects such as grasshoppers, butterflies, moths, and beetles, thereby supporting complex food webs. Their dense root systems help stabilise the soil, preventing erosion, especially during heavy rains, and contribute significantly to maintaining soil fertility. In many ways, grasses form the invisible foundation of healthy ecosystems.
In the past, grasslands were abundant and naturally attracted grazing animals. This availability of fresh, seasonal grasses contributed to the health of milch cows and buffaloes, resulting in nutritious and flavourful milk. Unlike today, when domesticated animals are fed processed fodder and supplements, earlier generations relied on naturally growing grasses as a wholesome and sustainable alternative. Grasses were also an integral part of human life, widely used for thatched roofs, fencing, and household needs. Over time, however, frequent fire accidents in grass-roofed huts led to the decline of their use, as concerns over safety and loss of life grew.
Grasses act as the backbone of landscapes. They have evolved over thousands of years to adapt to specific regions, soil types, climatic conditions, and interactions with wildlife. Yet today, with rapid urbanisation and unplanned development, grasslands are among the most neglected ecosystems. Large stretches of grass-covered plateaus and grazing lands are being destroyed or repurposed without understanding their ecological importance.
In many parts of Goa, wild grasses are closely interwoven with cultural traditions and local geography. In Kundai, Ponda, villagers along with the Shenvi Kundaikar family perform the ritualistic Kadda Puja near the Sidheshwar shrine on the concluding day of the Dhalo festival. As part of this ritual, wild grasses are set on fire at night, a practice rooted in tradition and seasonal land management. Similarly, in Keri, one of the highest hills in the Western Ghats of Goa, the Khaddo Dongar is enveloped in wild grasses and is popularly known as Kaddacho Dongar. In the village of Poriem in Sattari, a hamlet has been known for generations as Tamidgi, named after the wild variety of grass, Tamid, which once grew abundantly there.
In Sattari, villagers who practiced slash-and-burn agriculture in hilly terrain were careful to protect plateaus rich in wild grasses. These grasslands attracted both wild and domesticated animals for grazing. Locals shared a deep attachment with these grasses, using them to make baskets, caps, and other household items, besides roofing their homes. Areas like Goumal in Velguem, Sattari, were traditionally protected as grazing lands for cows and calves. Today, however, such regions have lost their original status and have fallen victim to monoculture plantations. Similarly, Gothan once reserved for cattle, now faces degradation due to neglect and disregard for its vegetation.
Most plateaus across Goa were once richly carpeted with diverse species of wild grasses. Without recognising their ecological and environmental value, these landscapes are now being handed over to development projects, subjected to repeated fires, or converted into plantations of exotic tree species. Grasslands are essential for conserving soil nutrients, preventing erosion, and supporting wildlife. Their destruction poses serious threats to the pristine ecology of these regions.
When wild herbivores lose access to grazing grounds, they are forced to venture into agricultural and horticultural plantations, leading to increased human -wildlife conflict. The quiet disappearance of wild grasses, therefore, has far-reaching consequences not only for nature but also for human communities. Recognising and conserving these vital ecosystems is essential if we are to maintain ecological balance and honour the silent beauty that wild grasses bring to our landscape.
