Representatives from fisherfolk organisations while addressing the media in Vasco.
VASCO
Nine fisherfolk organisations have welcomed the National Green Tribunal order stating that Environmental Clearance and Coastal Regulation Zone Clearance dated July 21, 2025, for the Deepening of Approach Channel for Capesize Vessels project at Mormugao Port shall not be operationalised. The direction holds the clearances in abeyance until the next hearing scheduled for November 2.
Representatives from nine fisherfolk organisations, led by National Fishworkers Forum General Secretary Olencio Simoes and Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Cooperative Society Limited President Custodio D’Souza welcomed the interim decision as a crucial step toward protecting Goa’s marine ecology and traditional livelihoods.
Addressing a press conference, Simoes highlighted that the proposed dredging project aims to accommodate capesize vessels, which could escalate coal-handling capacity across Berths 5, 6, and 7 from 12 million tonnes per annum to 42.1 million tonnes per annum.
Simoes recalled that the NGT had previously set aside an earlier clearance for the same project in September 2016 due to the absence of a mandatory public hearing.
Fisherfolk leaders further cited a January 2024 Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority inspection report, which revealed that deepening the 9.66 km channel to a depth of 19 metres would generate approximately 15 million cubic metres of dredged material.
Simoes claimed that such a massive dredging threatens to alter the morphology of the Zuari estuary, stability of the seabed, and marine biodiversity.
The inspection report had recommended a fresh, independent Environmental Impact Assessment prior to dredging, along with comprehensive assessments of terrestrial, aquatic, and marine life impacts.
Emphasising the precautionary principle, Simoes warned regulatory authorities against sacrificing Goa’s environmental security and public health for industrial expansion.
Declaring that traditional fishing communities depend entirely on healthy coastal ecosystems, the petitioner organisations reiterated their demand to completely scrap the channel-deepening project and associated Sagarmala port expansion plans.
They stated they will continue to pursue the matter through lawful and democratic means to safeguard their rights and coastal heritage.
