MARGAO: Following complaints from locals over a sand dune at Varca beach being cut by unknown persons to create a makeshift path to the beach, the Varca panchayat initiated action to restore the said sand dune on Wednesday.
Varca Sarpanch Selu Fernandes, in whose ward the sand dune was destroyed, said they had informed
the authorities concerned and conducted an inspection on Tuesday.
While the panchayat and other villagers were shocked at the extent of work that had been done to cut the sand dune, concerns were raised about the potential damage to the area given the ecological importance of sand dunes.
While the panchayat is still trying to ascertain who was involved in cutting through the sand dune, which purportedly was carried out during the night hours, panch members suggested that CCTV footage from the neighbouring hotels be used to nab the culprits.
The panchayat too emphasised that sand dunes act as natural barriers to adverse weather conditions and said they were committed to protecting the sand dunes and the environment.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas also praised the panchayat for taking action within 24 hours.
Locals pointed out that people have always used a temporary footbridge to get to the beach and no one has ever cut through the sand dune. They remarked that whoever had cut the sand dune was attempting to build a road the size of a highway.
They also urged Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to take cognisance of the matter.
Earlier, Varca-based activist Warren Alemao and a section of locals had carried out an inspection at this site, calling for strict action against the culprits.
