http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=042557
Sand dunes face wrath of development in South Goa NT News Service Majorda, April 24 While a lot of hue and cry is being raised about development around the state, sand dunes along the South Goa beach belt have been disappearing quietly yet markedly. The sand dunes which were noticed all along the coast at Velsao, Arossim, Betalbatim, Colva, Varca etc have fallen prey to development. When contacted over the state of sand dunes in Benaulim, Sarpanch Ms Maria Fernandes said that though the panchayat has not conducted a survey, she has found their numbers dwindling. However, not much appears to have been done to protect the sand dunes in this coastal belt of Salcete taluka as most of panchas opined that the sand dunes have disappeared either due to construction activities or by simply leveling them for one reason or the other. Vadi resident, Mr Rockson was of the opinion that it is the bounden duty of every citizen, particularly the elected representatives to protect the dunes. In another incident a couple of years ago a huge sand dune at Utorda was allegedly leveled by a famous crockery company to use it in production. However, one huge sand dune still exists in Utorda. It must be noted here that sand dunes help to block the powerful sea winds and thereby prevent sea water from flowing inwards. The sand dunes thus protect the villagers living by the sea from floods and other calamities. The need of the hour is for a survey of the number of sand dune along the coast and also a strict vigil should be maintained to stop them from disappearing.