Goemkarponn desk
CANACONA: Prof Dr F M Nadaf after inspecting the damage to the sand bar separating the river from the sea concluded that if action is not taken the river might permanently change its course to the detriment of both residents living on both sides of the river mouth and also the marine life of the river.
Echoing similar views published by Goenkarponn in its report published on 16th May, a team of experts after conducting a spot assessment at the washed part of the sand bar at the mouth of Galgibaga river concluded that the portion needs most immediate attention otherwise both the residents on the bank of the river and the ecology around it are at huge risk.
Speaking to Goenkarponn professor Dr F M Nadaf said that since last two decades, repeatedly the issue of Galgibag beach erosion and spit formation has been addressed through various local media.
“Last year in August 2020, Goa experienced a “Vayu” cyclonic storm which resulted in large-scale erosion of Palolem, Rajbag and Galgibag beaches”.
“Vayu created a havoc on the fragile portion of Galgibag Beach” Dr Nadaf informed.
Many people living close to this portion feel that the construction of a bridge has added to the stress on the Galgibagha-Mashem creek which is as old as the planet earth they feel.
The formation of a sand bar on the mouth of the Galgibagha-Mashem river mouth since last two decades was a warning sign of disaster waiting to happen, but the authorities like always didn’t take timely action inspite of complains from the locals they said.
Adding further Dr Nadaf informed that the Galgibaga Beach was protected by a stable age old sand dune, which ran almost for about 500 meters, and subsequently it resulted into another Sand bar partially blocking the mouth of the River Galgibaga.
Because of this sand bar, river Galgibagha was forced to take a huge turn before joining the Arabian Sea.
Last week, the coast of Canacona was devastated by Tauktae cyclone.
And this cyclone has caused irreparable damages to the coast of Canacona which has washed away millions and millions tons of sand from the coast.
Particularly post Tauktae, the Galgibagha river sand dune lies in devastated condition and needs utmost attention from the authorities most residents of the area feel.
With no action forthcoming from the authorities, a team consisting of Prof Dr F M Nadaf along with Assistant Prof Venkatesh Prabhugaonkar, Vivek Kapale and Amol Kamat visited Galgibagha beach for on the spot assessment.
As per their observations, it is observed that about 500 meter stretch of the Galgibagha beach is completely destroyed and high tide line has advanced by about 20 meters from the original point.
The left over sand bar after Vayu cyclone last year is totally flatened by Tauktae by about 60 meters in width on a stretch of about 100 meters.
Due to the recent deposition of sand near the mouth of Galgibagha river, the river itself has become shallow and at many places, sand is visible even during high tide.
The chopping off, of the sand bar has opened a new channel for the river to meet Arabian sea while earlier route of the river is cut off due to sand deposition.
This has resulted into a situation where in water into the old channel enters only during high tide and the interaction between the sea and river has intensified.
It was also observed that during high tide, the water in the river increases by about 1.25 meters and the velocity of water during backward movement at the time of high tide is very high. High Tide clubbed with the water coming from upper reaches during monsoon Season will pose a serious danger to the people living on the banks of Galgibaga and Mashem the experts felt.
The fishermen are also affected due to this changes and now are facing a big challenge to take their boats as the river has become shallow due to the choking of the mouth.
According to few fishermen, they used to catch fish in the river but due to recent changes they are unable to do it they informed.
The rate of erosion during monsoon, season will further increase leading to further damage.
The experts opined that the Galgibaga beach needs to be protected at any cost on top priority and there cannot be better protection than natural dunes and natural coastal vegetation.
Plantation of suitable trees and adding the growth of coastal vegetation popularly called sand binders (Ipomea) must be taken up on a large scale as Man-made structures, such as seawalls, sandbags, and sand fences are having huge disadvantages in the longer run they said.
Instead of putting structures, as an alternative beach nourishment can be tried and wherever possible Mangroves must be planted they said.
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