MARGAO: The Goa State Climate Change Cell (GSCC) has initiated support for 43 village Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in coastal regions, recognising their susceptibility to climate change as a priority.
Established in accordance with the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), the climate cell aims to mitigate potential adversities.
In addition to the coastal BMCs, other regions outlined in the SAPCC will undergo baseline assessments, according to an official.
Collaborating with approximately 60 government departments/agencies, the climate cell is actively engaging in operationalising, implementing, and monitoring the SAPCC, as stated by an official.
Efforts are underway to seamlessly integrate climate change mitigation strategies into the functions of each department.
The SAPCC highlights an increasing vulnerability to floods and sea-level rise, particularly in the talukas of Salcete, Tiswadi and Bardez.
Considering that these talukas are densely populated and economically active, the SAPCC underscores the urgency of prioritising measures to safeguard against climate change impacts.
Recommendations include conducting climate-based infrastructure vulnerability assessments and implementing flood-control measures such as the construction of flood-control gates.
Exploring natural defences like mangroves and sea walls is also advocated in the report.
It may be recalled that a recent report from the ‘National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management’ (NCSCM) tabled in the Lok Sabha in December 2023, had unveiled concerning findings about sand erosion in Goa. Out of 41 surveyed beaches, 22 have witnessed significant erosion, totalling 1,22,176.44 sqms.
These included beaches like Agonda, Anjuna, Ashvem, Betalbatim, Canaguinim, Candolim, Cansaulim, Cavelossim, Colva, Galgibag, Mandrem, Patnem, Polem, Keri, Sernabatim, Sinquerim, Talpona, Utorda, Vagator and Velsao. South Goa beaches were affected the most.
It is to be noted that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has also delineated a hazard line along the entire Indian coastline to indicate shoreline changes attributed to climate change, facilitating disaster management planning and mitigation efforts.
