Coastal Zone Authority says ‘beautification’ will do more harm than good
the goan I network
PANAJI
The project report, authored by expert member Dr Antonio Mascarenhas had instead recommended that “an ecological approach or beach restoration” be an alternative valid proposition.
“There is a flaw in the plan: An ‘erosion control line’ is shown. Who has identified or mapped erosion? What is the scientific basis for this statement? Note that an erosional berm routinely forms all along the Goa coast. This feature gets flattened and reformed during fair weather… Such natural processes cannot be hindered,” Dr Mascarenhas said in his report.
“The Baina beach proposal interferes with the CRZ regulations already in force. Moreover, no development whatsoever is permitted on the seaward side of an existing road, within CRZ,” Mascarenhas had said.
When pointed out that GTDC, armed with a permission from GCZMA, had gone ahead and built concrete pillars along the beach, Mascaranhas insisted that the proposal for concrete pillars was never put forth before GCZMA.
“We never discussed any of these things at the meeting. This is a blatant chicanery by the notorious GTDC. There is no provision for all those concrete pillars in CRZ NDZ (No Development Zone),” he said.
He drew parallels with a similar plan that was to be implemented along the Miramar beach back in 2002 which did not find favour with scientists and coastal managers, as commercial aspects overlooked ecological principles leading to its shelving.
Mascarenhas’ report also found several flaws in the plan. “The Baina plan neither describes the present geomorphology (beach-dune system) of the beach nor does it mention about the present beach profiles. The present use or nature of the beach stretch is not mentioned. The present state of beach vegetation is not stated either. The present ground morphology layout is not shown in the plan. The existing shorefront needs to be mapped first. Heritage value assets need to be delineated,” Mascarenhas reported.
“Baina beach front is too narrow for a project of this kind. Considering a small stretch of beach-dune that is struggling to survive, it is certain that the development plan will do more harm than good. A beach “ dune system cannot be tampered with,” Mascarenhas said adding that “if at all, this project should be allowed between the wall and the road kerb only.”
The GTDC’s plan also included landscaping of the sand dunes which Mascarenhas called “totally absurd”
“Sand dunes cannot and should not be landscaped. A dune has to maintain its natural shape, whatever this feature may be. Dunes should be allowed and be able to evolve freely and naturally in form and space,” he said.
His report also advises against setting up of ramps or stairs which has been disallowed in the GCZMA decision.
“Ramps and stairs on the beach will hinder eolian sand transport, a process crucial for the growth of dunes. Dumping mud over existing dunes is highly unscientific; we need to promote growth of dunes rather than choke them with mud. Such an approach is to rejected outright,” Mascarenhas said.
