the goan I network
VASCO
Siddharth Karapurkar said that since all three projects were interlinked, only one public hearing should have been conducted instead of putting the public to hardship to attend the hearings on
different dates.
Rupesh Shinkre, a software engineer, said the EIA report presented by MPT on capital dredging of the channel and work to re-develop berths 8, 9 had contradicted each other and added that the MPT should decide which project
is wrong.
“It’s a single project divided into three parts to fool not only Goans, but even the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) by concealing the facts,”
alleged Shinkre.
“During the Paris convention, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the international community to phase out coal usage by 2030, but in Goa, MPT is contradicting Modi’s assurance and is trying to increase coal handling by 300 times,” added Shinkre.
“MPT has failed to implement the climate change and global warming assessment report before going ahead with handling of coal at the berths. Coal handling should be banned not only in Goa, but in the entire country to safeguard the health of the citizens,” suggested Shinkre.
Edwin Mascarenhas claimed that the MPT had cleared the Mechanical Ore Handling machinery without EC clearance to upgrade the berths 8 & 9, which was in violation of the EC norms.
“MPT has failed to take up safety measurement to stock inflammable products that will be used by heavy machineries during dredging, reclaiming and piling work,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the minutes of the public hearing on the deepening of approach channel and inner basin for capesized vessels were read out in English and Konkani.
The public hearing on work to re-develop Berths 8, 9 and barge berths for multi-cargo activity could not conclude on Thursday and will continue
on Friday.
