A recent report from the ‘National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management’ (NCSCM) unveiled concerning findings about sand erosion in Goa. Out of 41 surveyed beaches, 22 have witnessed significant erosion, totalling 1,22,176.44 square meters. This revelation, presented in the Lok Sabha, highlights the urgency of addressing coastal challenges and underscoring the multifaceted nature that is shaping Goa’s beaches. Environmentalists are particularly concerned about the destruction of sand dunes and warn of the consequences the State’s coastline will face if corrective measures are not taken immediately KARSTEN MIRANDA reports
During December, Goan families residing abroad return to their homeland. The older generation among them like to share the uniqueness of Goa with their children by visiting various places that showcase what they love about the State their ancestors grew up in. However, they face the unfortunate reality that the once-existent sand dunes on the beaches have nearly disappeared. In their youth, they would joyfully ascend the slopes of these sand dunes, engaging in playful games.
Regrettably, these cherished memories are now mere echoes, leaving their children without the opportunity to witness the sand dunes in their former glory. Interestingly, in December, attention was drawn to the plight of Goa’s beaches, which are grappling with sand erosion—a growing concern voiced by coastal communities reliant on tourism or traditional occupations. A report from the ‘National Center for Sustainable Coastal Management’ (NCSCM) in Chennai revealed that 22 out of 41 beaches surveyed in Goa, have experienced significant sand erosion, totalling 1,22,176.44 square meters. The study was tabled by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha earlier this month.
Coincidentally, the study delved into accretion, the process of coastal sediment reemerging after submersion, across certain beach stretches. For perspective, the remaining 19 of the 41 beaches experienced both erosion and accretion simultaneously. Nonetheless, 13 beaches faced erosion exclusively, accounting for a total of 1,09,483.66 sq m. From this, Colva leads with the highest amount of sand erosion 22,563.7 (sq m), followed by Mandrem (15,829.25 sq m); Ashvem 12,734.77 (sq m), Querim (10,403.88 sq m), Cansaulim (8,377.57 sq m), Sinquerim 8,339.79 (sq m), Betalbatim 8,310.65 sq m), Sernabatim 7,670.26 sq m), Velsao (5,670.13 sq m), Talpona (5,659.62 sq m), Canaguinim (2,360.52 sq m), Patnem 1,265.84 sq m) and Utorda (297.62 sq m).