Canacona: The rapid sand erosion on Galgibaga and Tarir beaches in Canacona has raised concerns among locals. Residents said illegal sand extraction is a major cause of the erosion.Manoj Prabhu Gaonkar, environmentalist and Loliem-Polem panchayat biodiversity chairperson, told TOI that govt planted casuarina (pine) trees on the beaches more than 30 years ago to prevent sand erosion. These trees were planted very close to the high tide level (HTL) and are a hindrance as they grow tall and are now getting uprooted during winds. Gaonkar said govt should cut these trees to a height to prevent them from being uprooted.He also said illegal sand extraction is done on the beach.The cutting of casuarina trees in the Galgibaga, Talpona, Patnem and Tarir (Rajbag) belt has also caused soil erosion, say some environmentalists from Canacona.Shubham Komarpant, a social worker from Canacona, has alleged that the beaches of Galgibaga and Rajbagh, Canacona, are undergoing extensive erosion.If this erosion continues, the very existence of Galgibaga and Rajbagh (Tarir) beaches will be in danger, and residents may suffer serious consequences. Therefore, govt should immediately take necessary measures to prevent coastal erosion, said Komarpant.He said that within the last three to four years, more than fifty casuarina trees along the coast have been uprooted. He highlighted that the authorities concerned have not taken any concrete steps regarding the issue.
