Panaji: Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority has questioned if the Captain of Ports (CoP jetty) requires an environment clearance. A citizen complained to the Goa SEIAA about the CoP project’s violation of EC norms.
After its meeting, the Goa SEIAA stated that the Authority decided to refer the matter back to the State Expert Appraisal Committee. This will allow for re-examination of whether or not environment clearance is necessary.
The GoaSEAC had issued a cease work order for the construction on the Mandovi of the CoP jetty. The committee carried out an inspection following the citizens’ complaint. It found that there was an environmental violation.
According to the Goa-SEAC, the CoP would need to apply for the terms and conditions (ToR) to allow the authorities to define the project. Once the ToR is established, it opens the door to the environmental clearance.
Joe DSouza, a scientist, had earlier complained to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority(GCZMA) about the construction of the CoP terminal building at the banks of Mandovi. However, the GCZMA said that it had not found merit in the complaint. DSouza then approached National Green Tribunal (NGT), who is currently hearing the matter.
The coastal authority stated that the terminal would serve as a foreshore building, which is permissible according to the coastal regulation zones notification 2011. This is because the area in which the building is being built is a notified port.
GCZMA stated that the construction was not affecting the Mandovi’s flow and therefore it was not necessary to stop work at the hearing held on June 10, 2021.