PANAJI
A group of activists are planning a protracted movement against the decision of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to accord Environmental Clearance to South West Port Ltd (SWPL) for its proposed terminal capacity enhancement at the two berths at Mormugao Port.
According to sources, a few key members who were involved in the agitation against double tracking and coal transportation took part in a meeting on Friday night.
“The members discussed the various options of taking the battle against the EC granted to the three projects at MPA. They alleged that the “double engine sarkar” was out to destroy the very essence of Goa. Our proposed movement will begin from Vasco, since it is the epicentre of coal cargo,” said the source.
“They were unanimously in their assessment that the timing of approval for the DPR for diverting river Mhadei and granting EC clearance was not a coincidence, but timed to meet the increasing demand of industries for coal and water for steel plants in North Karnataka. The activists bemoaned the pro-crony capitalist action of the BJP government.”
When contacted, the members remained tight-lipped but promised to announce their plans shortly.
“We have decided to undertake an extensive tour across the State to expose the conspiracy behind the granting of the EC. We have also decided to explore various options to challenge the EC, including legal route,” said a member, who was present at the meeting.
