Team Herald
MARGAO: The Union government given its consent to state government to go ahead with the deal and engage a Netherlands - based institute, to investigate coastal erosion along Goa's beaches.
The study, costing approximately Rs 32 lakh, will examine factors such as wave-driven currents, storm-induced erosion, and discharge at river mouths. This initiative comes in response to a recent report by the National Center for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), which revealed significant erosion across 22 out of 41 surveyed beaches in Goa.
The Netherlands-based Deltares has proposed a comprehensive plan to support local authorities in analysing coastal morphology and developing mitigation measures. Their approach includes evaluating the local situation, creating an overview of the morphological system, and providing recommendations. A three-day visit to Goa is planned for site inspections and discussions with local stakeholders to foster a joint understanding of erosion factors and confirm the approach to addressing them.
A key aspect of the study is the implementation of the Sand Motor experiment, an innovative method developed by Deltares. This technique involves depositing a large quantity of sand offshore in a single operation, creating a strategically shaped peninsula to combat coastal erosion. Over time, natural processes redistribute the sand along the coastline, forming a buffer against sea-level rise, storm surges, and coastal flooding.
Deltares will also guide local agencies in setting up a wave model and provide expertise in analysing sediment transport rates. Their technical team will work closely with state coastal authorities, offering capacity-building support through email and video sessions for continuous monitoring and assessment. The project aims to establish a wave model to study coastline dynamics, with Deltares potentially taking on certain technical tasks depending on local agency capabilities.
The findings from this study are expected to inform Goa's long-term coastal management strategies, helping to safeguard the state's beaches from further erosion and ensure their sustainability for future generations.