Abel Barretto
Canacona
Following the sudden formation of a massive sand bar at the mouth of the Talpona river, fishermen and locals from Talpona and Sadolxem have urged authorities to conduct a scientific study of the phenomenon. They fear this could drastically alter the river’s ecosystem, navigation channel, and the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on fishing.
Traditionally, fishermen say, the sand bar at the river mouth near Rajbagh is washed away by strong monsoon waves, allowing floodwaters to drain quickly. Post-monsoon, it reforms, regulating saline water inflow and maintaining the navigation channel that connects Talpona jetty to the Rajbagh fish landing site.
“This delicate balance is vital for both the ecosystem and our livelihoods. If it is disturbed naturally or artificially, the consequences could be catastrophic,” said fisherman Ganesh Dhuri, who lives on the riverbank.
“This year only a part of the sand bar on the Rajbagh side was washed away, while a huge chunk of sand has deposited near Talpona jetty. This is disturbing the normal flow of water and creating turbulence during floods and tidal changes,” Dhuri said. He added, “About a 20-metre-wide island of sand deposit has formed, contrary to the river’s normal behaviour. It needs a scientific study to identify the factors behind this anomaly and its impact on the river system.”
Locals are worried that the sand bar could disrupted fish breeding, blocked navigation routes, and worsened flooding.
Fisherman Pradeep Mokhardakar linked the phenomenon to human interventions along the river. “Over 20 bhandaras by the Water Resources Department (WRD), the old Portuguese-built bridge at Ordhofond, the Bailey bridge at Sadolxem, the Konkan Railway bridge, and a four-lane highway bridge within 100 metres of the KRC bridge — is it too much for a river just 30 km long? With water already rising to houses each monsoon, perhaps this is the river’s way of warning us,” he said.
Elderly residents said this is the first time they have seen a sand island at the river mouth, warning it could signal a permanent change. They called on authorities to urgently assess its impact on aquatic life, mangroves, fisheries, navigation, and riverside communities before it is too late.
When NT contacted the local WRD office, officials said the matter did not fall under their jurisdiction. Referrals to the Captain of Ports and Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) yielded no information, with the issue being passed between departments.
