Members flag destruction of sand dunes, mangroves and sewage pollution during climate interaction at Cavelossim
Draft Coastal Zone Management map of Salcete displayed during the interaction organised by the Goa State Climate Change Cell at Cavelossim on Friday.
MARGAO
Chairpersons and members of Biodiversity Management Committees of coastal Salcete on Friday flagged the destruction of sand dunes and mangroves, besides pollution of the River Sal through sewage disposal, and called for a holistic approach to save the environment and the fragile coastline.
Member of the Colva Biodiversity Management Committee Melvyn D’Silva said most of the issues affecting climate change and environmental destruction would be resolved if the government scraps the controversial Section 39-A of the TCP Act.
Chairperson of the Benaulim Biodiversity Management Committee Charles D’Silva said the Biodiversity Management Committees are toothless without any powers. He recalled that it has now been three years since a sand dune was destroyed in Benaulim, but no measures have been taken for the restoration of the dune till date.
The interaction was arranged by the Goa State Climate Change Cell of the Goa State Biodiversity Board to discuss various issues pertaining to coastal climate-related problems affecting the coastal villages and to collectively identify appropriate measures and interventions so as to enable timely action and effective management of the same.
The discussions centred on major climate-related issues affecting coastal areas, including coastal erosion and shoreline degradation; sea level rise and tidal flooding; salinity intrusion and coastal biodiversity; loss of mangroves and habitat destruction; waste management and marine litter issues; the impact of extreme weather events and heavy rainfall; and sustainable fisheries and livelihood concerns.
Chairperson of the Assolna Biodiversity Management Committee Fredrick Borges pointed out how sewage disposal has polluted the River Sal over the years. He said while the biodiversity panels are fighting to save the sand dunes, permissions are being granted by the department for constructions on the dunes. “These days we are hearing about the conversion of land into No Development Zones. I hope the government notifies the sand dunes as NDZ,” he added.
Chairperson of the Cavelossim Biodiversity Management Committee Roy Baretto wondered how biodiversity would be protected when roads are being built through mangroves and khazans destroyed. “Funds are earmarked under the climate change head. We need to protect the sand dunes and the coastline hit by rising seawater. We only hope the suggestions made during the interaction will reach the government,” he said.
Member of the Colva Biodiversity Management panel Melvyn D’Silva warned that Goa would be finished if the controversial Section 39-A of the TCP Act is not scrapped forthwith. “Leave alone climate, Goa will be finished if 39-A is not scrapped immediately,” he warned.
Dr Apoorva of the Goa State Climate Change Cell said that the various suggestions made by representatives of the village Biodiversity Management Committees of the Salcete coastal villages would be compiled and followed up with the authorities.
