Team Herald
MARGAO: With coastal erosion becoming a pressing issue, Goa has enlisted the help of scientists from the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to investigate the alarming shoreline changes across the State. The team began their inspection at Majorda beach, where rising sea levels recently swallowed parts of the shore, sparking concern among local shack owners and fishermen.
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira directed the NCSCM team to Majorda after locals raised alarm about the erosion. Following their initial inspection, the scientists have expanded their study to other beaches, interacting with stakeholders to gather more information. Government officials indicated that an aerial survey had been conducted prior to this, and the ground survey would help fine-tune recommendations for addressing coastal erosion. The scientists are expected to submit their findings and proposed measures later this week.
From the data, the urgency of their investigation is evident: 22 out of 41 surveyed beaches in Goa have experienced significant erosion, with a total area of 122,177 square metres affected. Colva beach has suffered the most severe erosion, losing 22,564 square metres, followed by Mandrem and Ashvem beaches with losses of 15,830 and 12,735 square metres respectively.
Dr Antonio Mascarenhas, retired National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) scientist, explains the root causes of this crisis. “The coast of Goa is under assault. Tourism and related human activities are a major cause. Coastal sand deposits face constant human onslaught — from industrialists and builders plundering sand for construction, to coastal resorts treating it as a readily available resource, and the levelling of dunes for development,” he warned.
Adding to these challenges is the destruction of sand dunes, nature’s defence against ocean forces like cyclones and tsunamis. According to a previous NCSCM study, Goa’s sand dunes stretch across 22.62 kilometres, with 15.72 km in South Goa and 6.90 km in North Goa. These dunes play a crucial role in maintaining the beach’s dynamic equilibrium.
In response, the State government has taken several steps. One of the key initiatives is a collaboration with the Dutch research institute Deltares, costing approximately Rs 32 lakh, to analyse Goa’s coastal morphology and develop mitigation measures. The Deltares team is scheduled to visit Goa in November for site inspections and consultations with local stakeholders to foster a joint understanding of erosion factors.
While acknowledging the sand erosion phenomenon, Minister Sequeira, pointed out that some areas have experienced accretion, where beaches have expanded and said this needs to be factored in too, while looking at this issue from a larger perspective.
The government has already implemented structural measures such as tetrapods and gabion walls in consultation with
The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune. Additionally, the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, is conducting comprehensive studies under the World Bank-funded National Health Policy project, with findings expected by year-end.
Coastal watchdog pulls up Nehra for building road in Mobor no-development zone
Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has served a show-cause notice to former Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra for allegedly constructing a road in a No Development Zone (NDZ) at Mobor, Cavelossim, without securing the necessary approvals. Following an inspection, GCZMA identified violations of the CRZ Notification 2011, and directed Nehra to provide an explanation as to why the road should not be demolished and the land restored to its original condition.
In addition, GCZMA has instructed the Salcete Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) to ensure that no further work is carried out at the site, except as authorised by law. The Colva Police Inspector has been tasked with stopping all ongoing work. The Cavelossim panchayat has been directed to serve a copy of the GCZMA’s notice to the cricketer, submit a compliance report and take appropriate action under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act if necessary.
In the notice, issued under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986, Nehra has been ordered to show cause as to why a direction to demolish the illegal road and restore the land to its original state should not be issued. He has until October 29 to file a reply along with a compliance report. The cricketer has been directed to submit all relevant documents, including any construction or reconstruction licenses, repair permits, and approvals issued by the concerned authorities, particularly the GCZMA. The notice also requires Nehra to provide the approved site plan and title documents proving ownership of the land. Nehra has been to either appear in person or depute his duly authorised for a hearing on October 29 at 3.30 pm and present all the necessary documents, and any other supporting documentation, to defend his case.
GCZMA warned that failure to submit these documents or attend the hearing would result in the authority concluding that Nehra had no justification for the construction, which could lead to a final order for demolition, disconnection of essential services such as water and electricity, and other penalties.
In its notice, GCZMA invoked its authority under the EPA and Environment Protection Rules, 1986, to direct Nehra to immediately halt all civil work at the site.
Goa’s coastal projects stalled as CZMP delays continue
Team Herald
MARGAO: The prolonged delay in finalising the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019 has cast uncertainty over Goa's coastal development projects, with the completion timeline now pushed to January 2025. The National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) recently informed the State that a draft plan will only be ready for public suggestions by early next year, causing further delays in the implementation of the plan.
The Goa government has already missed two critical deadlines in October 2023 and May 2024. In response to the delay, the State updated the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in June on NCESS’s revised schedule. This lag leaves coastal projects dependent on outdated regulations, as the State lacks a modern coastal zone management plan under the 1:4,000 scale since 2011.
Adding to the complications, the National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) has imposed a freeze on issuing new Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances in all coastal States, including Goa. This moratorium affects both private and government projects, requiring them to continue relying on the outdated CRZ Notification 2011 until the new CZMP is approved.
During a recent meeting, NCZMA expressed its dissatisfaction with the progress made by all coastal States, including Goa, highlighting their slow pace in revising and preparing CZMPs. The NCZMA stressed that until the CZMP is updated, the provisions of the 2019 CRZ notification cannot be applied, and the 2011 regulations will remain in effect for project appraisals. Despite repeated instructions from the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2023 and 2024, the process has seen little acceleration.
In August 2023, the NCZMA reiterated that without the updated CZMP based on the 2019 notification, no new projects should receive CRZ clearance under the older rules. The national body called for urgent coordination between coastal State authorities to expedite the CZMP revision, increasing pressure on Goa to speed up its efforts.