PANJIM, JAN 20
Goa’s coastal village Morjim is vulnerable to environmental devastation and is at a critical juncture for future development, an international study reveals.
“Ten years ago there were no well-finished roads and few tourists frequented the beach. Since then the tourism infrastructure has grown substantially but unevenly”, the study by Oxford Brookes University’s Hilde Dunker, an expert in sustainable tourism, says.
The study, adds that there are no proper plans in place to tackle issues of environmental concern nor there is implementation of waste management system, which will magnify with increase in number of visitors.
“If infrastructure continues developing without insufficient planning then by 2021, Morjim may ‘mirror the hustle and bustle of over developed resorts elsewhere’,” the study adds.
The detailed study conducted by the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) at Oxford Brookes University, in collaboration with NGO SEEDS India and the International Centre Goa (ICG) has identified key threats as well as opportunities for Morjim.
The 15-page document, which was released today evening at ICG, was also presented to the community of Morjim at the local fish market this morning.
The unplanned and uncontrolled development and environmental degradation are said to be the major threat to this beach village.
“Unless better managed, Morjim’s growing tourism trade risks swamping this quiet village, and plunging those already vulnerable into further uncertainty”, the study says.
“Unless existing regulations are enforced and put into practice, it is likely that new constructions may occupy the new area surrounding the beach side. As such the building created for mass tourism may destroy the growing palm trees, green landscape and vernacular architecture”, it elaborates.
Talking about the climatic change, the study revealed that there are already evidences of environmental degradation.
“With ever increasing constructions, the green covers are washed out thus increasing the possibilities of floods and global warming. The disturbances on beach areas have also destroyed turtle nesting sites here”, the report says.
The report also says that the village has lost its culture to the growing tourism and trade.
“Morjim is at crossroads. It can preserve its natural riches with a vibrant and caring tourism industry or it can suffer the same fate of beach resorts in the Mediterranean, whose culture is destroyed”, the report reads.
