Preserving and restoring Goa’s natural beauty requires urgent and collective action across its diverse ecosystems, from beaches and forests to rivers, wetlands and Khazan lands. Balancing tourism with environmental protection is essential to safeguard the state’s green cover and marine life. Native vegetation such as Ipomoea (railroad vine) should be replanted to stabilise sand dunes and reduce beach erosion. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws must be strictly enforced to prevent illegal permanent constructions on fragile stretches. Regular mechanised and manual beach cleaning, along with strict bans on single-use plastics near water bodies, is also necessary. Large infrastructure projects that fragment forests should be reviewed, while native trees must be planted to reconnect wildlife habitats and provide safe passage for leopards, gaurs and birds. Abandoned mining pits should be monitored and restored as controlled water reservoirs. Traditional Khazan ecosystems and sluice gates must be protected to prevent saltwater intrusion. Tourist carrying capacity should be capped, with homestays encouraged over large resorts. Finally, 100% source segregation must be enforced across panchayats and municipal councils to eliminate open dumping.
RAJESH BANAULIKAR, Arpora
