Says discussion restricted as matter is under scrutiny before High Court
PANAJI
The problem of mangroves turning black in Merces has become a significant environmental concern, but the discussion surrounding it is currently restricted due to legal proceedings. The issue is under scrutiny as part of public interest litigation (PIL) before the High Court of Bombay at Goa. This case, Writ Petition No: 39/2018, has led to limitations on publicly discussing specific aspects of the issue.
According to recent statements from the Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Aleixo Sequeira, the case’s ongoing status prohibits further discussion on the blackening of mangroves under Rule 37 Clause 8 of the Goa Legislative Assembly Rules. This rule restricts debate on matters currently before the court to avoid any interference with judicial proceedings.
“As a result, details regarding the cause of the blackening of the mangroves, any inspections that may have been conducted, and the steps taken to regenerate or replace the affected mangroves are not available for public disclosure. This lack of information extends to the status of recent surveys intended to assess the total mangrove forest cover and the diversity of species in Goa.”
The Department for Environment & Climate Change has been actively involved in addressing environmental concerns, but due to the legal constraints, they are unable to share specific updates or responses to the issue at hand, said the reply. The current status of the mangrove regeneration efforts and any planned plantation initiatives to replace the dead mangroves remains unclear.
The situation is under close judicial review, and stakeholders, including environmentalists and local communities, are eagerly awaiting further developments as the court proceedings progress. Until the legal restrictions are lifted, the full scope of the issue and the measures being taken will remain undisclosed.
