PANJIM: Even as under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), sand dunes are categorised as ecologically sensitive with restrictions on developmental activities, in Goa, it appears to be otherwise. Development and tourism activities have led to destruction and degradation of sand dunes along the coastal belts.
The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), which has undertaken a detailed study of coastal sand dunes in the State, has observed that the major causes of degradation/destruction of sand dunes are construction of temporary structures, resorts, hotels, guest houses, dune reclamation for making approach road to the beaches, landscaping or beautification of frontal dune and other tourism activities.
The Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 declared sand dunes as CRZ I (a) areas. “The areas are ecologically sensitive and the geomorphologic features which play a role in the maintaining the integrity of the coast”. This has ensured a restriction of development activities along the dune areas and need for conservation and management.
The destruction of sand dunes due to tourism activities are prominently observed along the coastal stretches of Betul to Cansaulim, Sinquerium to Baga, Arambol, and in the middle of Morjim.
“Infrastructural development including parking lots, public facilities and road construction and public facilities for ecotourism development, installation of shore protection measures such as seawalls also contribute significantly either for alteration or destruction of sand dunes,” the report stated.
The sand dune erosion is observed along the coastal stretches of middle of Morjim, south of Ashwem and south of Colva.
The Cavelossim beach belt has the highest number of sand dune patches that is 17, followed by Varca at 12. In the north, Calangute has seven patches.
Sand dunes act as natural barriers against tsunamis, cyclones, and storm surges that induce inundation, loss of lives and asset. Hence, the dunes act as a “first line of defense” to the coast. They also support different types of vegetation like cashew, casurina, kewra, mango, coconut etc. It also helps to supply of freshwater for coastal populations.
