Outrage in Varca as dune cut to make way for road to beach

The sand dune cut to make way for a road.

MARGAO 

The coastal village of Varca witnessed an uproar on Tuesday after unknown persons cut down a sand dune to make way for a wide road to the picturesque beach

As local residents of Pedda-Varca demanded action against the persons involved in tampering with the sand dune, police and flying squad rushed to the site to take stock of the situation. 

Varca Sarpanch Salesiana Fernandes, who was at the site throughout Tuesday, has called for an inspection of the site by the Panchayat on Wednesday. “A sand dune is like an army, which protects the coastal village. What has happened is very bad. The panchayat will hold an inspection of the site on Wednesday and write to the district Collector for the restoration of the sand dune,” the Sarpanch said.

Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas descended at the spot for an inspection and has called for the restoration of the sand dune.

Warren Alemao threw up a gauntlet to the authorities to immediately restore the sand dune in a day or two failing which he has threatened to deploy JCB machines at the site to restore the land to its original condition.

A resident of Pedda, Ancio Fernandes, who runs a beach shack since the last 19 years said, no one had touched the sand dune over the years, but have been using the wooden culvert to make it to the beach. “These persons have now cut the sand dune. It is not a road they have made, but have built a highway. We have lodged a complaint with the police and the flying squad, The CRZ authorities have been requested to take action”, he said, while saying the villagers are waiting for action from the authorities before chalking out the future course of action.

Varca-based resident Warren Alemao said what has happened at Pedda-Varca is a criminal act. “The sand dune have been protecting our lives since the time of our forefathers. And we have been protecting our environment. Some months back the Pedda creek was contaminated by discharge of sewage and now the sand dune has been cut”, he said.

He added, "Sand dunes serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion, shielding communities and ecosystems from the damaging effects of storms and rising sea levels. Preserving these dunes is crucial for safeguarding coastal areas, maintaining biodiversity, and sustaining tourism. Human activities should be managed to ensure the long-term protection of these valuable resources”, he said, while extending support to the residents of Pedda for the restoration of the sand dune by deploying JCB machines if the authorities fail to initiate action.

Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas who inspected the site along with the Village Sarpanch later said the sand dune has been cut and the sand spread over the area. “I know everyone wants to do business. As the local MLA, I have not come in the way of anyone doing business, but we have to put our foot down and object to such illegal acts”, he said.

Saying he has taken legal advice how to go about the  matter, the MLA said the Sarpanch will take up the matter at the body meeting and after seeking the opinion of the members will write to the authorities for the restoration of the sand dune. 

“We will set an example to the rest of Goa that we are not against anyone’s business. When we allow business within a framework, why this wide road by cutting down a sand dune. This is not correct. We definitely don’t approve of such works”, Venzy said, while saying the sand dune will restored at the earliest.