It is observed that every year just before the onset of monsoon, tar balls appear on the beaches in the state. The number of beaches being affected by this phenomenon appears to be increasing with every passing year. Last year the phenomenon was experienced at the Baina beach in Vasco. This year the phenomenon has been seen at the Fatrade beach at Varca for the first time (Herald June 4).
The tar ball menace that has been afflicting our beaches could be a much bigger problem that is made out to be. It is possible that the tar balls that end up on the sand on the beaches could be just a fraction of the amount of tar that is being deposited on the shores. Much of the tar could well be deposited on the sand below the surface of the water. The tar balls that land on the dry shore are the ones that are brought in by the high tide. These tar balls can be removed physically. But then how does one remove the tar that settles on the sand below the surface of the water and is not visible?
If the tar is deposited on the sand below the water-surface then the water could be polluted throughout the year and not just at the onset of monsoon. Hence the problem could be much bigger than it seems. It is observed that even during the monsoon season people, specially, the local tourists, venture to have a dip in the sea. The question to be asked is whether it is safe to swim when there is so much of tar in the sea water.
Has any study been done on the medical implications of swimming in the sea when the tar balls phenomenon is in existence? Does the presence of these tar in the sea water affect the skin, the eyes as also the other vital organs of the body as some water is invariably ingested while one is having a dip into the sea. If this tar ball phenomenon does have an adverse effect on the human organs then it seems necessary for the concerned authorities to post warning signs on the beaches listing out the ill-effects that the tar present in the sea water can have on those venturing into the sea when the tar-ball phenomenon is prevalent. After all one should not end up complaining of skin-rash or redness of the eyes or any other such medical complications after entering the sea for a dip.
There seems to be no solution in sight to the tar ball menace which has been plaguing the state of Goa for several years. It is understood that the only way to tackle the menace is to clean the beaches of the tar balls.
We may probably have to live with the menace for many more years. It is understood that every year several tons of these tar-balls are collected and disposed off probably by incinerating them.
The question to be asked is whether these tar balls can be put to good use. Can oil be extracted from the tar balls and used as lubricants?
