Chennai-based scientists visit Majorda beach, study eroding shoreline

Panel to study Goa’s 105-km-long coastline from Querim in the north to Polem in the South; fear constant rise in sea level could lead to parts of beaches that support economic activities being lost
Chennai-based scientists visit Majorda beach, study eroding shoreline
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Team Herald

MARGAO: Chennai-based National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) scientists conducted the inspection of the Majorda beach on Friday after a sudden surge of seawater swept ashore on Thursday morning halting shack activities here. The rare lunar event, known for its gravitational pull on tides, caused a significant rise in sea water levels along Salcete and the Mormugao coast besides the Bardez coast in North Goa.

The panel of scientists is in the State and has commenced a comprehensive assessment of Goa’s coast as part of preparing a shoreline management to protect the coast from sea erosion.

The scientists visited the Majorda beach to look into the concerns expressed by shack owners and local fishermen and were accompanied by Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira during the beach study.

The minister conveyed to the scientists the observations of the local fishermen that this was a natural phenomenon that occurs three times a year - in July, October and December.

The minister said that he was informed by scientists in Goa that this was called spring tide but left it to the NCSCM scientists to determine the factors behind the recent events.

Sequeira also informed the scientists that the Netherlands-based Institute Deltares, will also be coming in November for a study on sand erosion and to suggest mitigation measures and invited the NCSCM panel along with other agencies to discuss the issue.

The minister gave a clarion call to representatives of other coastal states to join in if they wish as this could be ways of finding a solution to a nation-wide issue, while also admitting that each state may have their own unique problems.

During a discussion with the NCSCM scientists on how sand erosion in Goa has increased from the 1990s, the Minister said while that is true, Goa has also seen accreditation which meant that in some places, the beach has expanded and so all such factors should be taken into consideration.

Sequeira also stressed that traditional livelihoods of locals, be it shack operators or fishermen are dependent on the beaches of Goa and their concerns are important.

Officials said that the aim of the coastal study is to create a joint understanding on the main causes of soil erosion, to provide confirmation for approach and to perform first capacity bringing on the relevant coastal processes.

According to the NCSCM study conducted in 2022-23, Goa’s 105-km long coastline ranging from Querim (Keri) in the north to Polem in the south is 35% rocky, 20% stable, has 27%erosion and 17% accretion.

According to a report, there a total of 21 beaches that are facing the threat of soil erosion and most of them are in South Goa which include Betalbatim, Canaguinnim, Cansaulim, Patnem, Sernabatim, Talpona Utorda and Velsao while in the north it is Vagator, Sinquerim, Ashvem and Querim.

Government officials added that the aerial survey had been completed before and that now the ground survey would be taken up. The scientists are also expected to submit a set of recommendations of what measures the government can take to tackle the issues related to shoreline changes.

CRZ body probing violations

at Mobor beach in Cavelossim

Team Herald

MARGAO: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has launched an investigation into alleged violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms at Mobor beach in Cavelossim. The focus of their inspection: an unauthorized road and strategically placed sandbags within the No Development Zone (NDZ).

The controversy came to light not through formal complaints, but via media reports that caught the attention of local authorities. At the center of the controversy is a property reportedly linked to a former India cricketer, where the illegal road construction has taken place. This development has not only raised environmental concerns but also sparked a political debate, with Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas publicly questioning the delay in addressing the issue.

Responding to queries, GCZMA officials pointed out that any road construction within an NDZ is a clear violation of CRZ norms, as is the placement of sandbags along the shoreline. Both actions, they stressed, require prior approval from the GCZMA — approval that was notably absent in this case.

Responding to the growing controversy, Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz confirmed that a stop-work order had been issued.

However, the panchayat faced criticism for not taking more decisive action to remove the illegal structure. Vaz assured that the panchayat would now direct the property owner to clear the road and threatened to initiate legal action.

P’YAT FILES POLICE COMPLAINT

Cavelossim panchayat has also filed a police complaint regarding the tampering of NDZ. Vaz revealed that efforts are underway to identify the responsible landowner, based on reports from villagers who spotted machinery in the area. The panchayat, he added, will also issue directions to the owner for restoring the dune to its original state, in line with environmental regulations.

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