TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: Even though beach tourism may be facing a major threat from the invading sea which is swallowing the State’s sandy shores, authorities in Goa are unconcerned about revolutionary anti-sand erosion solutions offered by US-based Holmberg technology.

The proposal which was presented to the previous Government by M/s Drishti Marine Solutions Private Ltd on behalf of Holmberg technology way back in 2010 appears to be tossed around even when the problem of coastal erosion is gaining fearful proportions with every passing year.

The Chairman and Managing Director of Drishti Group who is also providing lifeguard services in Goa, Rajiv Somani said, “The technology revolves around a system that reverses the erosion and deposits sand back on the beach”.

It requires setting up simple equipment of under water stabilizers bringing effective results over a period of time.

Dick Holmberg the inventor of this technology has visited Goa and has expressed confidence that this technology will successfully stop sand erosion which has affected many beaches in North Goa. The worst hit are Anjuna and Keri.

It was pointed out that the present mandate on controlling sand erosion vests with the Water Resources Department (WRD) which uses the tetrapod system that is only meant to prevent land from eroding and not sand.

Holmberg technology believes that lakhs of rupees would be saved by just using under water stabilizers which gives solutions that are effective, permanent, affordable and environment friendly.

Rajiv Somani said that the continuous long shore currents are eroding the beaches all over the country and in particular Goa which needs to be concerned as it is a major tourism destination and beaches are its major attraction.

What is surprising is that even the Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune has forwarded a suggestion to the WRD, Goa to proceed with a site specific proposal on this technology as a pilot project.

“So far we have not received any positive response”, said Somani adding that Drishti Marine Solutions has made it very clear that the project is being offered to Goa on a ‘No Cure, No Pay’ basis.

“If allowed to be tested, Goa will be the first State in the country to introduce Holmberg’s technology”, said Somani pointing out that 20 shores in USA have been protected through this system.

Herald has learnt that M/s Drishti had submitted this proposal to the Collector, North Goa, two years ago stating that use of Holmberg technology at Candolim beach would save it from erosion which occurred on account of grounded M V River Princess.