Chicalim caves lead over 75 science students through heritage portal

Vasco: World Heritage Day was commemorated in a unique way by Chicalim Bio-Crusaders on Wednesday, by taking the science students of St Andrew’s Higher Secondary School to Chicalim heritage sites.
Over 75 students of Class XII along with their eight teachers were taken on a heritage walk titled ‘Walking with the Caveman’ around Chicalim village by members of Chicalim Bio-Crusaders who included Cyril Fernandes, Dulcina Dias, and Kaveena Cheryn Fernandes. The visit of the students was facilitated by Joalita Rebello, a teacher.
The science students were first shown the megalithic underground caves at Naquelim. The students explored the three caves and some even ventured inside one of the caves to have a closer look. They expressed their thrill and amazement at discovering the history-steeped site.
The students also visited the Chicalim khazan where they were briefed about the ruins of the 17th century St Bartholomew’s Church. The students were told how the khazan system of irrigation functions and were shown the various features of the system including the ‘manos’. The students were taught about the biodiversity-rich ‘Vareg Island’ site.
Chicalim Bio-Crusaders conducts such walks on request to promote the heritage of Chicalim village and its surrounding areas. The Chicalim village walk is titled ‘Walking with the Caveman’ and the Sao Jacinto walk is titled ‘Walk of the Pearl’.
Each participating student and teacher was handed over a brochure specially designed by Chicalim Bio-Crusaders describing the various features of each heritage site the students visited. The brochure carried the photos of the students at the sites they visited.