Beach erosion needs urgent attention: Dattari

Keri: Beach erosion is an issue that requires urgent attention, as this man-made disaster could lead to further problems if necessary steps are not initiated, said Shekar Dattari, a renowned wildlife film maker. He was speaking at the Goa Environmental Festival organized by Kalakirli at Kala Academy on Sunday.

“Coastal erosion has become a serious problem which is destroying our pristine beaches. For a coastal state like Goa,

beaches

not only attract tourists, rather these are resting places for migratory birds. The beaches also halt the intrusion of salty water, thus protecting the aquifers. However, various developmental activities like establishment of ports and harbours are threatening the survival of these beaches,” Dattari said.

Pointing out that beaches as fast disappearing owing to reckless tinkering of the coastline, Dattari urged students and the youth to take up the mission of protecting environment and wildlife.

His film ‘India’s Disappearing Beaches’ that was produced for Pondy Citizen Action Network has sensitized viewers about why India’s beaches are eroding at an alarming rate, and what needs to be done to stop this disaster from spreading further.

A seawall created out of boulders is not the solution, but such a step can result in spoiling the natural beauty of beaches, said Dattari. “The government has planned to set up 300 more ports, and if the plan materializes then every after 20 km there will be one port, which will create more complicated environmental issues,” he emphasized.