Panaji is one of the few cities to be blessed with a beach. The long, scenic stretch of Miramar up to Cabo is a favourite spot for Panjimites for walks, to wet their feet in the water, take their kids to play, have a picnic etc. More than seven decades back the water was crystal clear and lapped at the roots of palm and casuarina trees that fringed the entrance of the beach. Sand dunes were a pretty sight and protected the hinterland from seawater ingression. With time the trees disappeared, the water receded and now one has to walk about 500m to the waterline. Miramar beach underwent a metamorphism because of vagaries of nature and follies by humans. Rampant mining in the hinterland was one reason for drastic changes in the physiography as the resultant eroded materials found their way to the beach along the Mandovi River. In recent days, the once beautiful Miramar has become a miserable beach thanks to the monstrous structures being built at the entrance. Vehicles are parked haphazardly at the roundabout where several roads meet and this is a dangerous situation. In the past Miramar was devoid of touts but now there are aplenty who are linked to the casinos and boat cruises. Luckily the Blue Flag beach certification has been stayed by the High Court else Miramar beach would have been a laughing stock and left Goa red faced. Let us not be surprised if in the coming days sands too disappear like the dunes from Miramar.
