MARGAO: Following the recent sea level rise and sand erosion in Utorda on Wednesday, Colva, Benaulim, and other beaches in coastal Salcete experienced a similar situation on Thursday, causing inconvenience to both tourists and locals. Authorities, including Dristhi Marine, have advised tourists against entering the sea due to the conditions.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported the formation of a depression over the Southeast Arabian Sea, which is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm over the east central Arabian Sea. This development has raised concerns among locals, tourists, tourism stakeholders, and traditional fishermen.
A visit to Colva beach on Thursday revealed risky conditions for entering the water, prompting several locals to warn domestic tourists about the dangers. Fortunately, timely dismantling of beach shacks helped prevent significant losses for shack owners and traditional fishermen. Lifeguards were also seen cautioning tourists against entering the water due to rough conditions.
Anthony Fernandes, speaking to O Heraldo, acknowledged that the annual rise in seawater is not a new phenomenon. However, he emphasized the need for timely measures to prevent the destruction of beaches in Salcete taluka, including Colva, due to sand erosion. He also expressed concerns about the uprooting of nearby trees as a result of sand erosion.
Another local resident echoed these concerns, stating that the rising seawater is causing significant sand erosion. The presence of lifeguards and concerned locals at Colva beach indicates a larger scale of tourist presence. These locals emphasized the dangers of entering the water at this time and stressed the importance of properly guiding domestic tourists to prevent any tragedies.
According to the IMD, the weather in Goa will remain largely unaffected, but sea conditions are expected to be rough, with water levels rising and under-water currents intensifying along the coastal belt.
