Colva: Rough seas as an effect of the monsoon have led to sand erosion along the Salcete coastline, raising fresh concerns over the region’s fragile coastal ecology. Ahead of the monsoon peak, Colva, Benaulim and Betalbatim reported severe sand loss, with the shoreline receding sharply at several spots. The altered beach profile is now marked by steep sand ridges, unstable patches and sudden drops, while sea ingress is increasingly being flagged as a recurring problem in parts of Salcete.Fishermen and environmental observers point to a mix of rising sea levels, warming seawater, shifting tidal patterns and erratic weather as factors changing the seashore dynamic and hastening the disappearance of beach sand.“Changes in sea level, seawater temperature, and other ocean dynamics are altering the way the ocean interacts with the land. This is significantly affecting the rate at which our beaches are disappearing,” said green activist Rudolf Baretto.Residents, fishermen and tourism stakeholders warned that continued erosion could threaten livelihoods and coastal infrastructure, besides denting the visual appeal of Salcete’s beaches that draw thousands of visitors annually.
Colva, Benaulim and Betalbatim reported severe sand loss, with the shoreline receding sharply at several spots
Colva, Benaulim and Betalbatim reported severe sand loss, with the shoreline receding sharply at several spots
