Natural methods can tame coastal erosion in Goa: Dutch agency

Panaji: The Dutch agency Deltares, engaged by Goa govt to assess and address coastal erosion in the state, has found in its initial assessment that erosion along Goa’s coastline can be managed using natural solutions. The Deltares team informed govt that no major interventions would be required to address the erosion observed so far.

Deltares identified eight erosion hotspots based on satellite imagery, which could be considered for pilot restoration projects. These include Palolem, Majorda to Cavelossim, Velsao, Candolim, Anjuna, Morjim, Mandrem, and Querim. The findings were discussed during two video conferencing meetings held earlier this year.

Deltares specialises in applied research in water, subsurface, and infrastructure. In Oct 2023, a team from Goa, including officials from the state environment department, visited the Netherlands to study Deltares’ successful coastal erosion mitigation projects.

The techniques discussed included beach nourishment, sand motor technology, and strategies tailored to local coastal morphology, erosion rates, sediment transport, and vegetation cover. Goa expressed interest in implementing beach nourishment or sand motor technology as a pilot project for its eroding beaches.

Deltares has completed and shared a report on Mobor beach erosion, which provided an initial analysis of the functioning of Goa’s beaches, particularly Mobor, considered a model for similar coastal areas.

Deltares noted that “there is not a very big erosion along the Goa coastline, which is a positive thing, and it will also not require big interventions and can be overcome by natural solutions.” It conveyed to Goa officials that natural methods are more suitable for Goa compared to other coastal stretches in India.

“To select a potential area for action, it's not only about the physical situation, erosion, or potential flooding of the area, but the economic value of that particular area also has to be taken into consideration,” Deltares said. Based on these factors, the pilot stretch will be finalised.