PANAJI
The Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE) has questioned the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry for Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for its reasons for deciding that the AHOY Marina project did not require Environmental Clearance (EC).
“With due respect to the expertise of the EAC of the MoEF&CC, I want to understand from the EAC as to what has changed from the time AHOY Marina project was dropped by the Goa government in 2021 till now about the ecological destruction of the bay and loss of livelihoods of the local stakeholders,” asked Dr Fr Bolmax Pereira Convenor, Diocesan Commission for Ecology.
“By what wisdom has the EAC now suddenly concluded that the setting up of AHOY marina at Zuari bay will not affect the marine life, fish breeding and nesting of migratory birds, the reasons based on which the Goa Government told the High Court that the marina project is dropped?””
“Which is the research based on which the EAC suddenly resolved now that this ecologically destructive project doesn't require EC?”
Voicing deep concern and disappointment over the MoEF&CC’s decision, Yannah Marchon, DCE member and a youth from St Estevam, said the statement by the EAC that the project does not require EC at the ministry is certainly disquieting.
“I feel it is essential to thoroughly assess the ecological, social, and economic consequences of any development project, especially when it involves a fragile marine ecosystem. The proposed marina project is said to have an adverse effect on ecology, marine life and traditional fishing activity, leading to environmental degradation of the area,” said Marchon.
“In light of these concerns, it is crucial to question the basis on which the EAC concluded that the project does not need an environmental clearance. Are they disregarding the well-documented potential harms to the ecosystem and livelihoods? How thorough and objective was the environmental impact assessment conducted for this project?”
“I urge authorities to reassess this decision, considering the interests of the local communities, the protection of the fragile ecosystem, livelihood and economy of the inhabitants and the long-term environmental sustainability.”
