COLVA: Raising serious concerns over the increasing incidents of destruction of dunes in Salcete’s coastal belt and fearing a major disaster shortly, locals have demanded action against the culprits immediately.
The recent incident of destruction of dunes was reported at Sernabatim beach, with the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum urging the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to act against those involved in the destruction.
A few months ago, dunes were damaged at Varca and following police complaints the same was restored.
However, before the police took any action, yet another incident was reported at Benaulim beach. Miscreants damaged a major portion of the dunes. The same has been reported now at Sernabatim.
Speaking to O Heraldo, citizens of the coastal belt have expressed their anger “We don’t understand why the authorities concerned are silent on this matter. The culprits should have been booked and arrested immediately for damaging the dunes. But it seems that all are hand in glove,” alleged Peter Fernandes, a resident of Benaulim.
Earlier, Rudolf Fernandes, another resident of Benaulim had expressed concern when he noticed the destruction of dunes at Benaulim beach and had contacted the authorities.
“It looks like there is no fear among those involved in damaging the dunes. Nobody could have thought of destroying the dunes on the beach if timely action was initiated by the authorities,” said Caitan D’Souza.
Regarding the destruction of dunes at Sernabatim reported on Friday, Judith Almeida of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum had even collected evidence of the destruction of dunes followed by a complaint with the GCZMA.
“Illegal activities of destruction of dunes are going on at the beach,” she said.
Local leader Warren Alemao alleged that destruction of the environment is going on at Sernabatim Beach.
“The development activities going on at Sernabatim beach are going on without fear of local panchayats and authorities concerned,” he added.
