Eyeing tech to curb coastal soil erosion, says govt in assembly | Goa News

Porvorim: MLAs across party lines on Friday raised concerns over soil erosion in the state and urged govt to take necessary steps to protect Goa’s coastline for tourism and the economy.Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that a detailed study will be conducted in the state to identify technology to protect against sand erosion, and a proposal will be sent to Union Govt to protect Goa’s coastline from sand erosion.Sawant said that the department has already prepared the khazan land management plan, mangrove management plan, and turtle nesting plan and is in the process of preparing a comprehensive plan for the fishing communities. The CM said that all suggestions will be considered and directed the department to follow the laws strictly while issuing permissions.Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, in his calling attention, said, “Due to heavy monsoon, a large amount of sand was washed away, raising concerns among the local fishing community and tourists. The erosion has exposed the coast to environmental risks. Locals have demanded immediate steps such as planting protective vegetation and stopping further degradation.”Naik said that sand erosion has taken place across the coastal belt from Pernem to Bardez. He said that Goa is known for its beaches, and if govt cannot take necessary steps, then these beaches will be washed out, and the tourism and economy of the state will suffer.Leader of opposition Yuri Alemao said that sand erosion has impacted fishermen and the environment. He said, “We cannot ignore the damage done by man-made actions and govt.”There should be strict action against man-made damage along the coastal belt, Alemao said.Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said that sand erosion is taking place at Arambol and there is a need to take urgent steps to prevent soil erosion in the future.Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said that there should be a joint meeting between coastal MLAs and agencies to find a permanent solution for soil erosion.Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that local fishermen and environmentalists have raised this concern. He said an actual nature-based solution should be adopted to deal with this issue.St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar said that the GCZMA grants permission for projects along the coastline and it will create problems in the future.