Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Apr 9: The Water Resources Department (WRD) has initiated steps to address coastal erosion in Goa by identifying vulnerable beach stretches and proposing targeted mitigation measures.

The WRD engaged National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, under the National Hydrology Project with assistance from the World Bank, to study shoreline changes and recommend solutions. The institute has now submitted a comprehensive shoreline management plan based on data from 1972 to 2020.

In consultation with authorities, three priority sites — Ashwem Beach, Talpona Beach and Coco Beach — have been identified for immediate intervention. The WRD has sought necessary approvals from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to implement the proposed measures.

At Ashwem and Talpona, dune protection and sand nourishment have been recommended to stabilise the shoreline and prevent further erosion. At Coco Beach in Nerul, where erosion has been more severe, additional measures such as construction of a river training wall at the mouth of the Nerul river and installation of shore-normal groynes have been proposed to regulate sediment movement and reduce wave impact.

Earlier findings by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management indicated that Goa’s 193.9-km coastline has seen a decline in stable coastal areas, with erosion increasing and portions of beach area being lost over the years.

To strengthen mitigation efforts, the state government has also engaged Dutch research agency Deltares, which specialises in water and coastal management. A Goa delegation had visited the Netherlands in 2023 to study advanced techniques such as beach nourishment and sand motor technology.

Officials said Goa is now exploring pilot projects using these methods at erosion-prone sites, aiming to develop long-term, sustainable solutions tailored to local coastal conditions.