Panaji, Jul 18 (IBNS): More than 7 kilometers of Goa’s coastline is critically eroded and requires urgent attention, Goa government informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, July 17.

“Goa has a coastline of 105 kms from North to South and a length of 7.180 kms is critically damaged. It needs urgent attention from the authorities to save from crumbling further,” the Performance Budget by the Department of Water Resources tabled in the House stated.

The report also mentioned that coastal stretch of about 25.02 kms has been severely affected by soil erosion.

Beach stretch along Pernem, Bardez and Tiswadi – home to some of the best beaches in the north Goa, and three other talukas of Quepem, Salcete and Canacona in the South have been affected by erosion.

The state is nonetheless making efforts to prevent soil erosion as, the report stated further that anti erosion measures have already begun at Keri in Pernem taluka, Anjuna and Candolim.

“The State is implementing a number of soil erosion measures like stepped sea walls, concrete blocks, earthern embankments, sand bag embankments, geo tubes and others. The measures are taken based on recommendations of the Central Water Power and Research Station,” the report added.

The Candolim beach stretch is among the worst affected due to the giant River Princess vessel which ran aground the shore in 2000. It was removed only two months back.

(Reporting by John Edwards)