One of the biggest challenges facing the people of Arambol and the rest of Goa, is the problem of environmental pollution.
As well as pollution from mining Iron ore, and industrial sources, the number of foreign visitors coming to Goa each year has risen dramatically over the last decade or two, and this has caused considerable strain on the somewhat inadequate infrastructure.
The buiding of more guest houses and huts, particularly along the cliff and by the lake-side, in addition to more restaurants and beach shacks, has stretched basic services like water and electricity supplies to the limit.
If you visit Arambol this year, please take care of the local environment!
It is everyone`s responsibility, to prevent pollution by unscrupulous individuals who give no consideration to the detrimental effects caused by their inappropriate actions.
Arambol is a beautiful place for all to enjoy, so let`s keep it that way for future generations, and for the local community who will suffer the most, both economically and in many other ways if we allow this very special place to become victim to mankind`s corruption!
Some stretches of Goa`s beautiful sandy beaches are backed by rows of sand dunes, which extend several hundred metres or more before merging with the coastal plain.
Dunes are a sign of the delicate ecological ballance between the powerful physical forces of ocean and wind, and the more gentle influences of plant and animal activities. They provide a natural coastal barrier against the southwesterly monsoon storms.
At Kerim beach, south of the Tiracol river dunes are well established, with a thick plantation of Casuarina trees. Arambol beach has a mixed shore. The beach has very well developed fore and mid dunes and they are well vegetated with Spinifex grass . The hind shore has patches of Clerodendron and Pandanus plants. Most of the hind shore otherwise is occupied with shacks and small stalls.
Mandrem beach also has a long stretch of sandy shore with mature dunes and well-protected dune vegetation. Three different types of dunes can clearly be seen. Embryonic Dunes, Mid Shore Dunes and Mature Backshore Dunes. Some of the sand dunes are shifting in nature as can be observed in Mandrem where new dunes, presently low in height, are being formed.
Ashvem has a mixed shore with sandy and rocky beach. Even though there is lots of tourist activities going on here the coastal vegetation is well protected
Morjim has a good sandy shore with well-developed dune system. A long strip, which terminates at the mouth of river Chapora is marked by extensive rows of sand dunes with dune vegetation being more pronounced in the southern part.
A Sand Dune belt performs multiple functions and is of immense value to the coastal population. Dunes are typical features of Coastal stability, they act as nature’s line of defense, provide beach nourishment and protect the coast from erosion. Rich in flora and fauna) they serve as an ideal place for recreation.
The coastal sand dune system in Goa has been under constant threat due to pressure of population, developmental activities, tourism and construction. Construction activities, sand excavation, construction of Roads and recreational activities, litter on beaches, are some of the contributing factors
For many visitors, Arambol is a place of relaxation, fun, music, meditation and creativity. Part of the "magic" of this very special place is it`s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Trees and plants that can be found here include: Cashew, Jackfruit, Mango, Pineapple and Papaya.
Animals such as Monkeys, Squirrels and Otters as well as the more rare species can also be spotted.
From the beach, you can see Kingfishers, Sandpipers, Kites and Sea eagles as well as the local Dolphins, and if you are extremely fortunate, you may even see an 'Olive Ridley' sea turtle."
All of this together, the biodiversity, climate and location, (between the Western ghats and the Arabian sea), has created an area of outstanding natural beauty! But like many other places in the world, is threatened with environmental problems.
The local authorities have been slow and innefficient in tackling some of the most important issues, and so it is very important for everyone, local people, Indian and foreign visitors alike to meet their individual responsibility to help protect the environment and natural beauty here.
One of the most important issues for individuals to consider, is the disposal of plastic, especially the plastic bottles that drinking water is sold in. These bottles can be seen littering the beach, the fresh water lake, the village streets and drainage ditches.
Arambol now has a fully operational recycling facility for the collection, transportation and recycling of plastic, and so there is no excuse for not disposing of it in the appropriate manner.
In addition, water can be bought in 7 litre bottles instead of the 1 litre bottles. This way, one bottle is all you need, and you can always refill it.
Goa gets an average annual rainfall of approximately 2.5 metres, which is more than twice the national average. Unfortunately, 80% of this water runs straight into the Arabian sea. Hence, village wells regularly dry up before the dry season is over, leaving villages without water for washing, cooking, and more importantly fresh "contamination free" drinking water.
The Indian govenment response to this hugely important issue has been totally inadequate. In the 1970s a series of engineering projects including dams to regulate the flow of water from the Sahyadri range (Western ghats) to the coastal plain, have largely failed to bring the substantial benefits one would expect when considering the enormous sums of money spent on them.
One such "dam" project, started at Selaulim in south Goa in 1972 was plagued with setbacks of one kind or another, and ended up costing ten times as much as was initially estimated and took 5 years longer than anticipated to complete. It also required the deforestation of 7 square kilometres of forest, causing soil errosion and further water shortages, and the evacuation of over 600 families, who in some cases found themselves in sub-standard housing. Local farmers are still waiting for water supplies that were promised to them, while luxury resorts enjoy enough water for the filling of swimming pools and baths, and the irrigation of gardens etc.
A problem that has been exacerbated by the million or so visitors to Goa each year, is that of the ground water. Coastal resorts that have grown up from small fishing villages, have experienced contamination of ground water by sewage, which was traditionally dealt with by the local pigs, and where the water table has lowered sufficiently, wells have become polluted with salt water.
