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Water Resources of Canacona
Water is essential to all lives. Water is found in three forms that is Liquid, Solid, Gas. During Monsoon season Canacona experiences heavy rains resulting into rich reserves of water, but unfortunately the rain water is not harvested properly. Hence in the following paragraph an attempt has been made to highlight the important river system of Canacona (Figure 2.3).
Saleri River System: River Saleri takes its birth near Barcem and Gocoldem and flow for 12 Kms. Padi Nalla (4 Kms), Agonda Nalla (7.5 Kms), and Molorem Nalla (6 Kms) are the chief tributaries of this river. This river has also developed a small spit near its mouth.
Talpona River System: River Talpona is a well-known river of Canacona taluka. It emerges from the impenetrable woods of Rivona Dongar. This river system is nearly 31 Kms long with 40 hectares of catchment area. River Talpona has four branches that are, Nadke Nalla (15 Kms long), Gaondongrem Nalla (15 Kms long), Bhatpal Nalla (6 Kms long), and Khalwade Nalla (6 Kms long). River Talpona has developed a spit and a bar near its mouth. On the bank of this river one can find thick and rich growth of mangroves.
Galgibag River System: This is yet another main river system of Canacona which originates in the state of Karnataka. The river is just about 15 Kms in length with a catchment of 20 hectares. Maxem Nalla (10 Kms long) and Loliem Nalla (2.5 Kms long) are the key tributaries of the River Galgibag. River Galgibag has developed one of the rare coastal feature namely a hook near its mouth.
Saleri River System: River Saleri takes its birth near Barcem and Gocoldem and flow for 12 Kms. Padi Nalla (4 Kms), Agonda Nalla (7.5 Kms), and Molorem Nalla (6 Kms) are the chief tributaries of this river. This river has also developed a small spit near its mouth.
Talpona River System: River Talpona is a well-known river of Canacona taluka. It emerges from the impenetrable woods of Rivona Dongar. This river system is nearly 31 Kms long with 40 hectares of catchment area. River Talpona has four branches that are, Nadke Nalla (15 Kms long), Gaondongrem Nalla (15 Kms long), Bhatpal Nalla (6 Kms long), and Khalwade Nalla (6 Kms long). River Talpona has developed a spit and a bar near its mouth. On the bank of this river one can find thick and rich growth of mangroves.
Galgibag River System: This is yet another main river system of Canacona which originates in the state of Karnataka. The river is just about 15 Kms in length with a catchment of 20 hectares. Maxem Nalla (10 Kms long) and Loliem Nalla (2.5 Kms long) are the key tributaries of the River Galgibag. River Galgibag has developed one of the rare coastal feature namely a hook near its mouth.
Climate of Canacona
The climate of Canacona is healthy and pleasant and characterized by hot and humid conditions. Since Canacona is bordered by Arabian Sea it experiences marine type of climate. Normally there is not much difference between day and night temperatures. Generally May is the hottest month when the temperature reaches 340C and December is the coolest month when the temperature falls to 180C.
The relative humidity in Canacona is high as 97 percent during monsoon season. During January to March the humidity comes to 50 percent but it never goes below this mark.
About 90 percent of the total rain occurs during monsoon season between June and September. In an average Canacona receives 3000 mm of rain annually. Rain occurs in 120 days. The highest rainfall of 22 cm was recorded in 1994. July and August are the rainiest months. Rainfall starts decreasing from the month of September. The general pattern of wind from June to September is southwest to northeast and reverse during other months. Canacona also experiences local winds namely land breezes and sea breezes.
The relative humidity in Canacona is high as 97 percent during monsoon season. During January to March the humidity comes to 50 percent but it never goes below this mark.
About 90 percent of the total rain occurs during monsoon season between June and September. In an average Canacona receives 3000 mm of rain annually. Rain occurs in 120 days. The highest rainfall of 22 cm was recorded in 1994. July and August are the rainiest months. Rainfall starts decreasing from the month of September. The general pattern of wind from June to September is southwest to northeast and reverse during other months. Canacona also experiences local winds namely land breezes and sea breezes.
Geology of Canacona
Geology of Canacona mainly consists of Granite, Meta-basalt, Gneiss and Dykes. The oldest rock of Goa, which is dated back to 3,200 million years known as Anmod Tranjamite gneiss, is found in Canacona at Char Rasta. The area between Palolem and Patnem is known for intrusion of dykes into granite and gneiss.
As far as mineral wealth of Canacona is concerned it is very poor. Bauxite is the only mineral, which is found in Canacona, but the deposits are very small and they cannot be exploited, as they are economically unviable. Large quantity of sand is also available especially at Rajbag and Polem.
As far as mineral wealth of Canacona is concerned it is very poor. Bauxite is the only mineral, which is found in Canacona, but the deposits are very small and they cannot be exploited, as they are economically unviable. Large quantity of sand is also available especially at Rajbag and Polem.
Physical Landscape
PHYSICAL DIMENSION
It is already mentioned that geography of Canacona is very rich and diversified. Canacona is one of those rare places on the world map, where the Sea and the forest meet at one place (Palolem). Canacona taluka is characterized by hilly topography, indented Coastline headlands, beaches, islands and wetlands.
RELIEF
Geographers are more interested in understanding the physiography or physical landscape of any area because the growth of population, growth of urban centers, density and distribution of population and many other components are directly dependent with it. Broadly Canacona taluka can be divided into three physiographic divisions.
1. The Coast
2. The Ghats
3. The Wetlands
2.4.1 THE COAST
The Coast of Canacona lies to the south of river Sal and to the north of river Kalinadi. The Coast of Canacona is not smooth like the Coast of Salcete. The Coast of Canacona is full of bays and headlands. Rama’s bay, Canacona bay, Kolam bay are the most prominent bays of Canacona, whereas Cape Rama has the most developed cliff. The height of Canacona varies from sea level to 646 meters mean above sea level. In the north the highest elevation is 448 meters, which is known as east peak, whereas in the south the highest elevation is to the east of Loliem which 172 meters. The most elevated part of Canacona is located at the center with 646 meters that is very popular as Canacona peak, found behind Karmal Ghat section.
In the Arabian Sea contour of 10 meters depth is found much close to the cliff of Cape Rama whereas the same contour is 3 km away at Agonda and 4 kilometers away from Palolem. The 20 meters depth is uniformly found at 9 km along the Coast of Canacona. The highest high tide that occurs in Canacona is 1.58 meters and the lowest is 0.82 meters.
2.4.2 THE GHATS
The Westernghats are undoubtedly the most important physiographic division of India. Canacona happens to be a part of this ecosystem. The Westernghats section of Canacona is hilly and is covered by very dense jungle and it houses numerous species of plants and animals. The Westernghats section of Canacona has a wildlife sanctuary known as Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary that covers 89.5 sq. km of area.
2.4.3 THE WETLANDS
This is another important integral part of Canacona. Wetlands of Canacona are found in Galgibag, Talpona, Agonda and around Chaudi i.e. around Railway station and in front of New Kadama Bus Stand. They are considered to be ecologically very productive. During winter season these wetlands attract a large number of migratory birds.
It is already mentioned that geography of Canacona is very rich and diversified. Canacona is one of those rare places on the world map, where the Sea and the forest meet at one place (Palolem). Canacona taluka is characterized by hilly topography, indented Coastline headlands, beaches, islands and wetlands.
RELIEF
Geographers are more interested in understanding the physiography or physical landscape of any area because the growth of population, growth of urban centers, density and distribution of population and many other components are directly dependent with it. Broadly Canacona taluka can be divided into three physiographic divisions.
1. The Coast
2. The Ghats
3. The Wetlands
2.4.1 THE COAST
The Coast of Canacona lies to the south of river Sal and to the north of river Kalinadi. The Coast of Canacona is not smooth like the Coast of Salcete. The Coast of Canacona is full of bays and headlands. Rama’s bay, Canacona bay, Kolam bay are the most prominent bays of Canacona, whereas Cape Rama has the most developed cliff. The height of Canacona varies from sea level to 646 meters mean above sea level. In the north the highest elevation is 448 meters, which is known as east peak, whereas in the south the highest elevation is to the east of Loliem which 172 meters. The most elevated part of Canacona is located at the center with 646 meters that is very popular as Canacona peak, found behind Karmal Ghat section.
In the Arabian Sea contour of 10 meters depth is found much close to the cliff of Cape Rama whereas the same contour is 3 km away at Agonda and 4 kilometers away from Palolem. The 20 meters depth is uniformly found at 9 km along the Coast of Canacona. The highest high tide that occurs in Canacona is 1.58 meters and the lowest is 0.82 meters.
2.4.2 THE GHATS
The Westernghats are undoubtedly the most important physiographic division of India. Canacona happens to be a part of this ecosystem. The Westernghats section of Canacona is hilly and is covered by very dense jungle and it houses numerous species of plants and animals. The Westernghats section of Canacona has a wildlife sanctuary known as Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary that covers 89.5 sq. km of area.
2.4.3 THE WETLANDS
This is another important integral part of Canacona. Wetlands of Canacona are found in Galgibag, Talpona, Agonda and around Chaudi i.e. around Railway station and in front of New Kadama Bus Stand. They are considered to be ecologically very productive. During winter season these wetlands attract a large number of migratory birds.
Location of Canacona
Canacona is located in the southernmost part of Goa between the latitudes of 140 55’00’’ to 150 10’ 00’’ North of the equator and 730 55’ 00’’ to 740 15’ 00’’ to the east of Greenwich (Figure 2.1, and 2.2). Canacona Taluka covers an area of 352.02 square kilometer, which is 9.50 percent of the total geographical area of the state or 17.90 percent of the total area of South Goa District. According to 2001 census Canacona taluka has a population of 43,997 people. In terms of area Canacona occupies third rank after Sanguem and Satari whereas, in terms of population it occupies 11 positions.
For administrative purpose Canacona taluka is divided in to seven village Panchayats and one municipal council. Chaudi is the headquarters of Canacona taluka. Chaudi is about 37 Kms from Margao and 37 Kms from Karwar. The town is located on National Highway No. 17, which connects New Mumbai (Panvel) to Cochin. Of the total geographical area of Canacona i.e., 352.02 sq kms about 17.6 sq kms area is urban.
NEIGHBOURS
Canacona Taluka is surrounded by many neighbors. In the north Canacona is bordered by Quepem taluka, in the east with Sanguem Taluka and in the south it shares its border with Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka and on the west Canacona is washed by waves of Arabian Sea.
For administrative purpose Canacona taluka is divided in to seven village Panchayats and one municipal council. Chaudi is the headquarters of Canacona taluka. Chaudi is about 37 Kms from Margao and 37 Kms from Karwar. The town is located on National Highway No. 17, which connects New Mumbai (Panvel) to Cochin. Of the total geographical area of Canacona i.e., 352.02 sq kms about 17.6 sq kms area is urban.
NEIGHBOURS
Canacona Taluka is surrounded by many neighbors. In the north Canacona is bordered by Quepem taluka, in the east with Sanguem Taluka and in the south it shares its border with Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka and on the west Canacona is washed by waves of Arabian Sea.
Canacona - An Introduction
Goa - the 25th full-fledged state of Indian Union has 11 talukas. Canacona is one among them. Geographically Canacona has occupied a vital position. Canacona is known for its rich cultural heritage, unity in diversity and rich physical environment.
From the available historical sources, the word Canacona is derived from the Sanskrit word “Kanvapuram”. It is believed that Canacona was a dwelling place for “Kanvarush”. Kanvarushi lived in the thick forest of Canacona around the present Shree Mallikarjun temple at Shristal. For meditation “Kanvarushi” would go to “Tarpon” or in other words to river Talpona. Canacona is a land blessed by Kanvarushi therefore it became kanvapuram and from kanvapuram it later become Canacona.
From the available historical sources, the word Canacona is derived from the Sanskrit word “Kanvapuram”. It is believed that Canacona was a dwelling place for “Kanvarush”. Kanvarushi lived in the thick forest of Canacona around the present Shree Mallikarjun temple at Shristal. For meditation “Kanvarushi” would go to “Tarpon” or in other words to river Talpona. Canacona is a land blessed by Kanvarushi therefore it became kanvapuram and from kanvapuram it later become Canacona.
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