PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board to assess and recover the cost of restoration for the damage caused to the environment by the owners of the vessel M V Quing that was berthed at Mormugao Port in a damaged condition for several years.
Disposing of a petition filed by the Mormugao Port Trust that had initially filed the petition to remove the fuel oil from the stricken ship, the NGT instead has now asked that a figure of compensation be drawn up by following due process of law.
“The compensation assessed may be utilised for restoration of the environment after preparing a restoration plan,” the NGT said.
M V Qing was berthed at Mormugao Port since January 2014 but developed cracks in its hull and posed a serious hazard to the surrounding environment.
When the matter was taken up for consideration on April 19, learned Counsel for the applicant submitted that the Vessel has since been removed leaving only the amount of compensation to be determined.
“We dispose of this application by directing the Goa State PCB to assess and recover the cost of restoration for the damage caused to the environment in the process of berthing of the ship and spillage of oil, from the concerned persons, following due process of law. The compensation assessed may be utilised for restoration of the environment, after preparing a restoration plan. State PCB may file the action taken report with the Registrar General of NGT in four months,” the NGT said.
The NGT had earlier in 2017 directed the owners of the vessel M/s. Sahara India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. deposit a sum of Rs 1 crore to meet the cost of remediation for restoration of the environment. However, by further order dated 27.04.2017, Respondent No. 2 was permitted to initially deposit a sum of Rs 30 lakh.
