DefinItely not, the government has done very little to protect our beaches both in North Goa and South Goa against erosion. It is high time for the government and environmentalists to draw up a detailed plan to protect and preserve our beaches which are facing severe erosion due to various factors. Our beaches are the backbone of our tourism industry.
Ritesh Rawal
student leader, Navelim
Work put in by the government to stop beach erosion is slow and by the time it gains momentum most of our beaches will get eroded. The government must do something quick, concrete and permanent to stop beach erosion as soon as possible. Otherwise, along with the beaches, even the coastal villages might get eroded in the future and the beauty of Goa will vanish along with beach erosion
Jagannath Kundaikar
lecturer, Ribandar
The government has not put in any serious effort to contain beach erosion in the state. Erosion of beaches is continuing and the government authorities do not appear to be concerned about it. Neither the local bodies like village panchayats nor the government is concerned. Coastal areas of Agonda, Palolem and Anjuna are in a bad shape. It is an ecological problem. Interference by humans with nature leads to climate change and ultimately causes beach erosion.
Agnel Pereira
social activist, Penha de Franca
Successive governments have failed to contain beach erosion in Goa. More then a decade ago, when the government failed miserably to remove the River Princess, which ran aground off Candolim beach, it caused much beach erosion which even affected the beaches on either side of Candolim. It was only when the situation worsened in 2010, that the government took some measures to protect the beach, but it was not very successful. The tourism department in coordination with the ministry of environment should plant trees all along the affected beaches in Goa. This could resolve the problem to a certain extent and it could also provide shade and reduce pollution on the beach. Some years ago, when Bombay's coastal area of Marine Drive was affected by erosion the government then made use of cement tripods and managed to contain the erosion.
Melson Louis
retd electrical officer, Margao
