15 km of Goa beaches threatened by erosion: survey

PANAJI - About 15 kilometres of Goa’s famous beaches have been affected by massive sea erosion that is plaguing the state’s entire coastline, according to a survey by the Goa government.

The economic survey, a document compiled by the government on the state of the economy ahead of the budget, has also said that the coastline in seaward regions like Pernem, Bardez, Canacona and Salcete were in danger of being eroded quickly.

It has been observed that about 15 km of the coastline is severely affected by sea erosion, states the survey, which was tabled during the budget session of the Goa legislative assembly.

Though temporary measures such as stepped sea walls, earthern embankements, concrete blocks, rubble walls protected by geo-grid nets, have been implemented to tackle erosion, more concrete steps need to be taken, the survey says.

It also states that the world famous Candolim beach, which is home to two five star resorts, has already lost about 1.5 km of the beach stretch already, thanks to a grounded ship in the sea.

Anti erosion works are being implemented at the Candolim beach for a stretch of 1,500 meters where a considerable portion of the beach has been eroded due to the grounded ship River Princess, the survey states, adding that the sand bar which had been created near the ship, needed to be removed.

The survey further states that on the recommendation of the coastal planning development advisory committee (CPDAC), several anti sea erosion measures had also been formulated and executed at a cost of Rs.11 crore.