Panaji, Mar 16 (IANS): Nearly 20 km of Goa's famous coastline is "severely affected" by sea erosion, according to the Economic Survey report tabled in the assembly Wednesday.

"It has been observed that about 15-20 km of the coastline is severely affected by sea erosion especially the beaches in Pernem, Bardez, Canacona and Salcete talukas," the report states.

The state government has also said that Rs.78.13 crore given to the Goa government as part of a Golden Jubilee package by the central government would be utilised for carrying out "anti-sea erosion and beach protective measures along the coasts in Goa".

"During 2010-11, a length of 1.62 km has been protected up to October 2010 and an additional length of 3.88 km is likely to be covered by end of March 2011," says the report.

According to data compiled by the state government and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), a central government marine science agency, beach erosion is a grim reality.

In all, 21 beach stretches, including Sinquerium, Coco, Tiracol and Candolim beach in North Goa and Betalbatim and Arosim beach in South Goa, are affected by sea erosion caused by the rising level of sea waters.