PANJIM: Development and tourism activities have led to destruction and degradation of sand dunes along the coastal belts, the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), has said in its report.
Herald was the first to report the NCSCM findings on sand dunes in March, this year. The Department of Science, Technology and Environment has finally uploaded the report on its website, following approval from the State government.
The length of sand dunes in the State is 22.62 km, of which about 15.72 km is in South Goa whereas North Goa has 6.90 km. The total sand dune patches number 99, of which 75 are in the South and 24 in the North.
NCSCM has observed that the major causes of degradation/destruction of sand dunes are construction of temporary structures, resorts, hotels, guest houses, dune reclamation for making approach road to the beaches, landscaping or beautification of frontal dune and other tourism activities.
The destruction of sand dunes due to tourism activities are prominently observed along the coastal stretches of Betul to Cansaulim, Sinquerium to Baga, Arambol, and in the middle of Morjim.
“Infrastructural development including parking lots, public facilities and road construction and public facilities for eco-tourism development, installation of shore protection measures such as seawalls also contribute significantly either for alteration or destruction of sand dunes,” the report stated.
The Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 declared sand dunes as CRZ I (a) areas, which are ecologically sensitive and has ensured a restriction of development activities along the dune areas.
Sand dunes act as natural barriers against tsunamis, cyclones, and storm surges that induce inundation, loss of lives and asset. Hence, the dunes act as a “first line of defense” to the coast. They also support different types of vegetation like cashew, casurina, kewra, mango, coconut etc. It also helps to supply of freshwater for coastal populations.
