MARGAO
After Cavelossim, geo bags technology has been adopted at the world famous Colva beach to check sea erosion and to facilitate accretion of sand dunes.
Launched by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas in the presence of Colva Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes, WRD officials, local fishermen, the geo bags have taken shape along 100-metre stretch of the beach near the Longuinhos beach resort.
A WRD official told the media that the geo bag project is being implemented at Colva beach as a pilot project near Longuinhos beach resort and the adjoining area housing fishing activities of the local fishermen. The project will cost the government Rs 5 lakh. Saying the geo bag project much cheaper than the construction of walls, the WRD official said the geo bag technology has around 10-15 years warranty.
Welcoming the project, Colva Sarpanch Suzie Fernandes said the initiative by the local MLA Venzy will go a long way to arrest sea erosion at Colva. The local fishermen had made a request to the MLA to work out a solution to the annual sea erosion at Colva. I thank the MLA for getting the authorities to execute the work, she said.
The Benaulim MLA told the media that the geo bag technology is a soft measure adopted along the Cavelossim and Colva coast to check sea erosion. He said the geo bag technology has been implemented at Colva since a solution from the government has not been forthcoming till date. “The government is talking about engaging an agency from Europe to help restore the eroded beaches, but nothing is being implemented on the ground till date. Hence, this geo bag technology is being implemented at Colva so that the coast does not erode further in the coming monsoons,” he said.
Saying he is the first MLA who has suggested introduction of geo bag technology to check sea erosion, Venzy said, “Sea erosion is a serious issue. We cannot wait for the Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira to wake up to save our pristine beach belt. The Environment Minister is not serious in protecting the environment and the coastline.”
