In a worrying development, unidentified individuals have reportedly cut through sand dunes at Varca, raising serious concerns of seawater intrusion into agricultural fields and potential crop loss.
Local panch member Batist Fernandies confirmed the incident and called it a "destruction of nature". “The sand dunes act as natural barriers. Now that they’ve been cut, there is a real risk of seawater entering our fields, which could ruin upcoming crop cultivation,” he said.
The issue has prompted immediate action, with complaints already filed with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) authorities, the police, and the local MLA’s office.
Residents and environmental observers say the illegal act not only threatens the fragile coastal ecosystem but also violates CRZ norms, which strictly prohibit any alteration of natural coastal features without prior permission.
Authorities are yet to identify the culprits, and locals are urging for swift investigation and restoration measures to prevent long-term ecological and agricultural damage.