Severe sand erosion has threatened coastal tourism structures at Agonda beach.
CANACONA
Severe sand erosion has threatened tourism structures along Canacona’s coastline, as large chunks of sand have been washed at Agonda beach.
Strong waves during the high tide on Sunday began to pound the coast, particularly towards the central location of Agonda, causing heavy sand erosion and virtually exposing the shoreline.
The sand has been washed away and has exposed the protection walls which were constructed to safeguard properties from the waves striking the coast.
Agonda beach shore has suffered badly after cyclonic winds not only caused heavy sand erosion but many coastal tourism structures were destroyed after Cyclone Tauktae that struck the coast in May last year.
The sand dunes, which serve as a protective barrier against cyclones and also help stabilise the beaches destroyed last May, are still missing at Agonda shore and some environmentalists blame reckless sand excavation as the main cause of sand erosion.
While residents blame the government for not doing anything to safeguard the battered Agonda coastline during Cyclone Tauktae, some land owners have initiated measures by themselves to protect their sea-facing properties by erecting concrete protection walls.
According to reports, the Water Resources Department has identified 19 Goan beaches, including Agonda beach, which face the threat of sand erosion and is reportedly looking at it as a threat to the tourism sector.
Besides, Agonda, beaches at Anjuna, Keri-Tiracol, Morjim, Betalbatim and Majorda are some of the famous beaches facing threat and short-term and long-term measures had been recommended to protect Goa's coastline.
