Sea level rise may spell doom for Goa
BY HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, OCT 19 If Goa experiences one metre sea level rise (SLR), the State is likely to lose nearly 4.5% of its total area, warned Dr Nandkumar Kamat of Goa University. He gave a detailed presentation on what impact Goa is likely to face if SLR rises steadily, at a two-day media workshop organised by Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh, National Institute of Oceanography, World Wildlife Fund and Goa Government being held at Dona Paula. He said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, representing the thinking of the world community of climate scientists presented a report in February this year, stating that by 2100 the seas would probably rise by 18-59 centimetres. The worse case scenario is about one metre, he said. Seas, he said are rising faster than predictions of most pessimistic computer models adding that there are danger signs for Indians emanating from these developments. Studies have shown that sea level has risen at the rate of 2.5 mm per year along the Indian coastline since 1950s. The mean SLR for Indias coast is between 15 and 38 cm by mid-21st century, Dr Kamat said. The rapid urbanisation along the coast might spell doom for the cities. The scientist said that if the sea level rises by one metre, then the most vulnerable States would be Gujarat and West Bengal. Goa would lose almost 4-5% of its total area (15-20000 hectares). These would include Merces, Santa Cruz and parts of Panjim besides the beach belt. The stretch in South Goa from Velsao to Cavelossim is highly vulnerable, he opined. He called for serious efforts from the government to study and prepare for worse scenarios. The Central Act on Disaster Management, he said, is not been implemented properly. Dr Kamat also suggested that disaster preparation should be made an integral part of the curriculum. Referring to unpredictable weather phenomenon, he said night temperatures are also increasing. Goa Foundation director Dr Claude Alvares who moderated the session said the sea level is already rising and its effects are there for everyone to see. Polem beach is disappearing, he said adding that such phenomena are being witnessed in North Goa too. http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=3073&cid=2 Sanny de Quepem <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
