9 beach stretches need anti-erosion measures, overall status of Goa not alarming: Govt panel

Panaji: A panel formed to discuss sand erosion in Goa has highlighted that nine beach stretches require urgent intervention. State govt will take one beach stretch as a pilot project, using sand motor technology to protect the coastline from sand erosion.Information was provided by Chennai’s National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, National Institute of Ocean Technology, and National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), as well as Isro. Discussions and presentations focused on the evolution trends of erosion provided by the respective institutes.According to NCCR, Morjim beach is accreting (growing by accumulation). NCCR suggested sharing the geolocation details of potential areas of interest (the nine locations) for their verification.The Netherlands-based company Deltares, which is engaged by state govt to evaluate the causes of erosion, emphasised defining goals, scope, and role of the organisation with the stakeholders to finalise the study area.The satellite imagery for the 1985-2020 period shows that erosion was noticed at Querim, Mandrem, and Morjim, although Morjim seems stable now. Further, in South Goa, the area between Velsao and Benaulim seems to have undergone accretion as well as erosion.

The Betalbatim to Cavelossim stretch has a smaller net erosion, so it would be worthwhile to conduct further investigation, experts said. Palolem also seems to have natural erosion.During the meeting, it was suggested that the potential areas of interest include Morjim, Anjuna, and the larger erosion areas from Colva to Cavelossim.It was also determined that erosion was not alarming along the Goa coastline, which is a positive sign.

The experts said the problem will not require major interventions and can be tackled with natural solutions, which are more feasible for Goa than for other stretches of the Indian coast.To select an area for action, its physical situation, erosion, flooding risk, as well as the site’s economic value have to be considered.The committee discussed soft and hard measures to mitigate erosion. The soft measures include beach nourishment, shoreface nourishment, and sand motor (mega nourishment).The hard measures include seawalls, revetments (protective shields for beach-saving structures) and groynes (low, sturdy walls).Gipson Miranda from the WRD suggested that South Goa beaches like Velsao, Varca, Colva, and Mobor combat erosion.Some anti-erosion measures were put in place at Betalbatim beach a few years ago. Experts said the beach requires immediate restoration measures.