PANAJI
The Public Works Department (PWD) and Vedanta Ltd, in separate affidavits filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), have attributed delays in the construction of crucial infrastructure for ore transportation from the Bicholim mineral block to opposition from locals and truck operators.
The affidavits form part of proceedings challenging the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to Vedanta for transportation of mineral ore from its Bicholim mineral block.
During the hearing on March 17, the applicant had alleged that Vedanta Ltd repeatedly deviated from the approved transportation route and trucks laden with ore passes through populated areas. As such, NGT directed the company to submit a sketch map clearly detailing both the earlier and the current transportation routes.
In its reply, Vedanta, while presenting the sketches, also informed the court that it has been making all efforts within its capacity to develop the bypass road earmarked for ore transportation. However, the company said the work has faced impediments from local residents and authorities, particularly in obtaining permissions and clearances required for execution of the bypass road project.
The mining company contended that these hurdles have left it with little option but to pursue the route approved by the State authorities and the Inter-Departmental Committee. It maintained that the practical difficulties encountered on the ground were beyond its control and had significantly impacted execution of the dedicated corridor and bypass road works.
Meanwhile, the PWD, who was pulled up by the bench for delay in construction of underpass at Mayem junction, stated that it had completed the tendering process and awarded the contract to Jog Construction Company Pvt Ltd. The department said all administrative formalities had been completed and it was prepared to commence the work.
However, the department claimed that construction could not begin due to substantial opposition and protests by truck operators and truck owners engaged in transportation of ore along the route. According to the PWD, repeated objections at the site created a situation that had the potential to adversely affect law and order.
The department further maintained that the delay in commencement of the underpass work was neither deliberate nor due to any lack of effort on its part, but was a consequence of prevailing circumstances and practical constraints on the ground.
Vedanta Ltd transports ore from its Bicholim block via a 5.48km route from lease area to the Sarmanas jetty. The transit uses a 4.54km dedicated road corridor and a 0.94km public stretch on MDR-20 (via villages including Bordem, Lamgao, Mulgao, Mayem, and Sirigao).
