OLD GOA
While public agitations are being planned against the Nauxim marina project, Goemkars Against Marina (GAM) convenor Adv Suresh Palkar said they are also exploring legal options to challenge the decision of the environment ministry to waive off Environmental Clearance (EC) for the project.
Speaking to The Goan, Adv Palkar said the very basis of their agitation is the destruction the project would have on the environment and the ecology.
“The project is planned in over 1.5 lakh square metres area, of which over 1 lakh square meters is in the river and the rest is on land,” Palkar informed and pointed out that there is rich flora and fauna in the river and the land area is a hill.
“So, the project is bound to have environmental impact and to say that it does not require EC is absurd,” Adv Palkar said adding that for such projects, the EC is mandatory.
He then pointed out that the doctrine of public trust has to be followed in these types of projects, which has not been done.
“The project is going to affect locals and they have to be consulted first. But, this will not be done if there is no public hearing as the environment ministry has stated that no EIA report is required,” Palkar added.
However, Adv Palkar stated that to take legal recourse, the State government has to first give its approval for the project.
“Only after the project is given approval by the State government, will we be able to explore the legal options,” he said.
