9 beach stretches need anti-erosion measures, overall status of Goa not alarming: Govt panel
Panaji:
A panel formed to discuss sand erosion in Goa has highlighted that nine beach stretches require urgent intervention.
State govt will take one beach stretch as a pilot project, using sand motor technology to protect the coastline from sand erosion.
Information was provided by Chennai's National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, National Institute of Ocean Technology, and National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), as well as Isro. Discussions and presentations focused on the evolution trends of erosion provided by the respective institutes.
According to NCCR, Morjim beach is accreting (growing by accumulation). NCCR suggested sharing the geolocation details of potential areas of interest (the nine locations) for their verification.
The Netherlands-based company Deltares, which is engaged by state govt to evaluate the causes of erosion, emphasised defining goals, scope, and role of the organisation with the stakeholders to finalise the study area.
The satellite imagery for the 1985-2020 period shows that erosion was noticed at Querim, Mandrem, and Morjim, although Morjim seems stable now. Further, in South Goa, the area between Velsao and Benaulim seems to have undergone accretion as well as erosion.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah?
IC Markets
Mendaftar
Undo
The Betalbatim to Cavelossim stretch has a smaller net erosion, so it would be worthwhile to conduct further investigation, experts said. Palolem also seems to have natural erosion.
During the meeting, it was suggested that the potential areas of interest include Morjim, Anjuna, and the larger erosion areas from Colva to Cavelossim.
It was also determined that erosion was not alarming along the Goa coastline, which is a positive sign.
The experts said the problem will not require major interventions and can be tackled with natural solutions, which are more feasible for Goa than for other stretches of the Indian coast.
To select an area for action, its physical situation, erosion, flooding risk, as well as the site's economic value have to be considered.
The committee discussed soft and hard measures to mitigate erosion. The soft measures include beach nourishment, shoreface nourishment, and sand motor (mega nourishment).
The hard measures include seawalls, revetments (protective shields for beach-saving structures) and groynes (low, sturdy walls).
Gipson Miranda from the WRD suggested that South Goa beaches like Velsao, Varca, Colva, and Mobor combat erosion.
Some anti-erosion measures were put in place at Betalbatim beach a few years ago. Experts said the beach requires immediate restoration measures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
44 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Misal grabs 18th spot in TasteAtlas' ‘50 Best Breakfasts' list; how this humble Maharashtrian dish became a symbol of pride
Misal, chole bhature, and paratha, three beloved staples from Indian kitchens, have been named among the 50 Best Breakfasts in the World, as per the latest list released by TasteAtlas, a global food and travel guide. Misal secured the 18th spot, while paratha came in at 23rd, and chole bhature came in at 32nd. 'These are the best breakfasts of the world!' the caption mentions. While Turkey's Kahvaltı secured the top position, followed by Serbia's Komplet Lepinja, the recognition of Misal, chole bhature, and paratha reflects how deeply comforting and culturally significant Indian breakfasts are. Misal, a fiery and flavourful curry made with sprouted moth beans, topped with farsan and chopped onions, is often served with pav and a slice of lemon. Originally from Maharashtra, this dish is known for its spicy, tangy punch and regional variations. Its roots go beyond taste — it's a reflection of humble ingredients transformed into a hearty, energising start to the day. Alok Singh, expert on food history and science at Diga Organics, tells 'Misal's popularity stems from its deep roots in Maharashtrian working-class culture. It originated as a nourishing, protein-rich breakfast that provided lasting energy to labourers and farmers, especially in rural regions like Kolhapur. The combination of sprouted legumes, spicy gravy, farsan, and pav made it affordable and sustaining. Over time, misal evolved into a cultural staple, served in homes, canteens, and street stalls across the state.' A post shared by TasteAtlas (@tasteatlas) Its popularity is also linked to how it combines Maharashtra's love for spice, layered textures, and community-style eating. Even today, he says that a plate of misal is 'more than food; it's a symbol of regional pride, heritage, and hospitality.' The two most common variations are Kolhapuri and Puneri. Singh mentions that Kolhapuri misal is known for its fiery spice levels and robust flavour profile, reflecting the bold culinary traditions of southern Maharashtra. Puneri misal, on the other hand, is milder, slightly sweet, and often garnished with yoghurt, mirroring Pune's more subdued and refined palate. 'These variations reflect not just regional taste preferences but also each region's lifestyle, climate, and food philosophies. For instance, hotter regions often lean into spicier foods, while urban centers like Pune adapt traditional recipes with modern moderation. This diversity within a single dish like Misal showcases Maharashtra's rich culinary pluralism and its ability to localise flavour without compromising identity,' he informs. Preserving traditional cooking methods and ingredients is vital, not just for culinary heritage, but also for public health. Singh explains, 'The original Misal recipe uses sprouted moth beans, which are high in plant-based protein, fibre, and micronutrients. The preparation involves slow cooking, use of homemade spices, and minimal processing, all of which contribute to better nutrition.' He adds that as Indian breakfasts like Misal receive global attention, there's a risk of commercial versions diluting their nutritional value in favor of convenience. Preserving authenticity ensures that these dishes remain wholesome and rooted in local food wisdom. It also supports regional farmers and small-scale spice producers who form the backbone of India's food ecosystem. 'In a time where highly processed foods are linked to metabolic disorders, going back to our roots, literally and figuratively, could be one of the best health decisions we make as a society,' says the expert.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India's population touches 1.46 billion, fertility drops below replacement rate: UN repot
India's population is estimated to reach 1.46 billion in 2025, continuing to be the highest in the world, according to a new UN demographic report, which also revealed the country's total fertility rate has fallen below the replacement rate. UNFPA 's 2025 State of World Population (SOWP) Report, The Real Fertility Crisis, calls for a shift from panic over falling fertility to addressing unmet reproductive goals. Millions of people are not able to realise their real fertility goals, it asserts. This is the real crisis, not underpopulation or overpopulation, and the answer lies in greater reproductive agency - a person's ability to make free and informed 150 per cent choices about sex, contraception and starting a family, it says. The report also reveals key shifts in population composition, fertility, and life expectancy, signalling a major demographic transition. Live Events The report found that India's total fertility rate has declined to 1.9 births per woman, falling below the replacement level of 2.1. This means that, on average, Indian women are having fewer children than needed to maintain the population size from one generation to the next, without migration. Despite the slowing birth rate, India's youth population remains significant, with 24 per cent in the age bracket of 0-14, 17 per cent in 10-19, and 26 per cent in 10-24. The country's 68 per cent of the population is of working age (15-64), providing a potential demographic dividend, if matched by adequate employment and policy support. The elderly population (65 and older) currently stands at seven per cent, a figure that is expected to rise in the coming decades as life expectancy improves. As of 2025, life expectancy at birth is projected to be 71 years for men and 74 years for women. According to the UN estimates, India's population at present stands at 1,463.9 million. India is now the world's most populous nation, with nearly 1.5 billion people - a number expected to grow to about 1.7 billion before it begins to fall, around 40 years from now, the report said. Behind these numbers are the stories of millions of couples who decided to start or expand their families, as well as the stories of women who had few choices about whether, when or how often they became pregnant, the report said. In 1960, when India's population was about 436 million, the average woman had nearly six children. Back then, women had less control over their bodies and lives than they do today. Fewer than 1 in 4 used some form of contraception, and fewer than 1 in 2 attended primary school ( World Bank Data , 2020), the report said. But in the coming decades, educational attainment increased, access to reproductive healthcare improved, and more women gained a voice in the decisions that affected their lives. The average woman in India now has about two children. While women in India, and every other country, have more rights and choices today than their mothers or grandmothers did, they still have a long way to go before they are empowered to have the number of children they want, if any, when they want them. The UN report placed India in a group of middle-income countries undergoing rapid demographic change, with population doubling time now estimated at 79 years. "India has made significant progress in lowering fertility rates - from nearly five children per woman in 1970 to about two today, thanks to improved education and access to reproductive healthcare," said Andrea M Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative. "This has led to major reductions in maternal mortality, meaning million more mothers are alive today, raising children and building communities. Yet, deep inequalities persist across states, castes, and income groups. "The real demographic dividend comes when everyone has the freedom and means to make informed reproductive choices. India has a unique opportunity to show how reproductive rights and economic prosperity can advance together," she said.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Tiny notes, big dreams: What pocket money taught 90s kids
It was the first of the waited near the door, restless and excited, peeking out every few minutes to catch a glimpse of their father walking down the lane. Not because they missed him more that day, but because it was pay day. And in most Indian households back in the 80s and 90s, salary day meant one more thing: pocket money would enter, tired from the long commute and the weight of bills in his briefcase. But the moment he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out those crumpled rs 5 or rs 10 notes, the room would erupt in glee. That small note was more than just money; it was freedom, status, and pure joy. Some rushed off to buy Phantom sweet cigarettes. Others saved it to rent video games on Sunday. A few stashed it in old tin boxes, waiting for the day it would grow enough to buy a comic or a friendship to 2025, and the scene has changed. Kids now get a ping on their phones, notifying them that rs 5,000 or even rs 20,000 has been transferred to their digital wallets. No waiting. No ceremony. Just a quiet notification a tap to JOY OF SMALL THINGS: LIFE IN RS 10advertisementIn a world without instant delivery and cashless transactions, even rs 10 felt magical. You didn't ask for more you planned, saved, and sometimes even bargained with siblings to pool your cash for something bigger."I used to get rs 5 every Sunday from my grandfather," recalls Gaurav Sharma, 41, from Agra. "That was my freedom money. I'd run to the corner shop to buy Phantom cigarettes (those sweet pink sticks), or rent a comic. I learned to plan, to wait. Instant gratification wasn't even a concept." Nina Arora, 66, a retired teacher and mother of two now-grown kids, remembers the ritual. "We didn't give money for the sake of it. We treated it like a reward. If my son helped with chores or behaved well at school, he got a rs 10 note. That note had so much power."For many girls, it was spent on stickers, colourful erasers, bangles from the street market, or a bar of Perk. And for most boys, it meant marbles, trading cards, or a quick joyride in the form of Mario at the neighbourhood game VS. NOW: A GENERATIONAL FLIPBOOK Today's pocket money isn't given by hand-it's sent online. Children can swipe cards, scan QR codes, and even track their expenses through analytics DIGITAL WALLET GENERATIONShruti Nair, 14, from Bengaluru, gets rs 8,000 a month as allowance. "I use it for my OTT subscriptions, ordering food, and buying clothes online. I don't like to ask my parents each time. This way I can manage my own spending," she says, scrolling through her Fampay account. This level of autonomy would've been unimaginable to their parents at that Mehta, 42, a Delhi-based mother of two, chuckles, "My son knows how to use Paytm and scan QR codes better than I do. I'm amazed at how tech-savvy they are, but I do wonder-have they ever felt the thrill of counting coins saved over three months?"advertisementLESSONS IN VALUE: DELAYED VS. INSTANT GRATIFICATIONFor 90s kids, pocket money wasn't just about spending it was about learning. That humble rs 10 note handed over once a month taught the art of budgeting long before Excel sheets existed. It taught patience, waiting weeks to afford a comic or a cricket card. It taught value-every coin saved was a step closer to a dream toy or a chocolate bar. And above all, it taught gratitude. Because pocket money came not from clicks, but from a parent's hard-earned salary and a silent understanding that this small amount carried with it love, trust, and a gentle push toward responsibility."We would save for months just to buy a Tazo cap or a movie ticket," says Deepika Joshi, 38, a marketing professional in Mumbai. "When I bought my first Walkman with saved pocket money, I felt like a queen."Today's kids are financially smart in a different way. They know how to transfer, recharge, and invest-but often miss the emotional connect that comes from waiting, saving, and dreaming about a small MONEY AS A MIRROR OF THE TIMES Pocket money has always reflected not just inflation, but aspiration. The simplicity of the past isn't necessarily better or worse-it's just different. Our kids are growing up in a world of subscriptions, gaming coins, and on-demand everything. Still, somewhere, a 40-year-old mother stares fondly at her child's digital card and remembers the joy of spotting a rs 2 coin under the pillow. Somewhere, a father picks up a Tinkle at a bookstore and smiles, remembering the day he spent his entire allowance on THAN JUST MONEYWhether it was rs 10 a month or rs 10K a tap, pocket money has always been more than just a monetary allowance. It's the first taste of freedom, the first lesson in decision-making, and a quiet doorway into adulthood. So here's to the piggy banks, the jam jars filled with coins, the secret stashes in school bags-and to every kid, past or present, who felt rich just holding their own credit: Generative AI by Vani Gupta
