Over the years, Polem beach stretch in Canacona has suffered significant sand erosion and the situation has worsened now by the impact of Cyclone Tauktae last week. Several casuarina trees, which help hold the sand together, have been uprooted. With monsoon fast-approaching, the locals now fear flooding. The fishermen from Polem area, who exclusively depend on fishing for their livelihood, said that their fishing boats and fishing nets have been left vulnerable to damage from natural systems like cyclones. Fishermen Ankush Pagi said the government should assist them with a shelter to house their fishing boats and fishing nets, in absence of which they have to leave the equipment on the beach. Locals said that a simple look at the state of the beach at present is telling of how, if some protective measures are not taken on priority, there will be tough days ahead not only for the fishermen but also for those residing near the beach too.
Residents shiver at the memory of the flash floods that affected Canacona in October 2, 2009. Another fishermen Themo Pagi said they do not have a fishnets mending shed. In absence of this, their livelihood is at stake, he said, adding that the government should take some measures for their welfare. Ulhas Chandrekar, a social activist, said that the concerned department should visit and see the extent of damage caused to the beach and the fishing articles like fishing boats and fishing nets which have been washed away by last weekend’s rough waves. Loliem-Polem sarpanch Sachin Naik said he is aware of the damage caused and losses suffered by the Pagi Samaj.
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