WRD proposes initiative to combat coastal erosion

NT Reporter

Panaji

The Water Resources Department (WRD) has invited online requests for proposals (RFP) from consultancy firms for providing consultancy-cum-transaction advisory services for coastal erosion mitigation.

The project titled ‘selection of consultant for providing consultancy and transaction advisory services for coastal erosion mitigation works’ aims to safeguard vulnerable stretches of Goa’s shoreline by combining engineered measures with nature-based solutions to create sustainable coastal infrastructure.

The beach stretches identified for intervention include Morjim, Calangute, Baga, Colva, Betalbatim, and Benaulim, which face increasing threats from natural processes such as wave action, tidal surges, and sea-level rise, compounded by unregulated construction, sand mining, and tourism-related pressures.

These factors have led to beach degradation, loss of biodiversity, threats to public and private infrastructure, and risks to livelihoods dependent on fishing and tourism.

Consultancy services will have to support multiple schemes spread across North and South Goa. In North Goa, the focus areas are Morjim for shoreline protection and dune rehabilitation, the Calangute–Baga stretch for erosion management linked to long shore sediment drift, the Candolim–Sinquerim belt for groynes and revetment-based stabilisation, and Vagator–Anjuna for bank toe protection and restoration of natural buffers.

In South Goa, interventions are planned at Colva–Betalbatim–Benaulim with beach nourishment, dune fencing and vegetative stabilisation, at Palolem–Agonda with eco-engineering methods for erosion control, and at Velsao–Utorda with backshore protection and sediment management.

The scope of services outlined by the WRD in the RFP is extensive.

The consultant will have to conduct feasibility studies and technical surveys, prepare a project conceptual plan and a preliminary project report, and subsequently draft a detailed project report.

The DPR will have to include engineering designs, cost estimates, flood frequency analysis, benefit-cost ratio calculations, and a comprehensive project implementation plan.

The consultant will also be responsible for assisting in securing necessary approvals, framing a funding strategy in line with the guidelines of financing agencies, and preparing bid documents.

The role will extend to bid process management, evaluation of both technical and financial bids, and submission of a final bid evaluation report to the department.

The government has emphasised that the project seeks to integrate both engineered solutions such as seawalls, geo-textile tubes, and groynes, with ecological approaches like dune stabilisation, mangrove planting, and eco-engineering. This approach aligns with the principles of the integrated coastal zone management plan (ICZMP) and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms, ensuring that coastal protection is achieved while maintaining ecological balance.

The last date for submission of bids is September 20, 2025, by 4 pm, while the technical bids will be opened on September 23  at 11  am at the office of the superintending engineer, Circle V, WRD, Margao.

The selected consultant will be required to complete the assignment within nine months from the award of contract, paving the way for Goa to strengthen its coastal resilience framework.