PANAJI: Goa Foundation, in its rejoinder to the affidavit filed by the State government in the lease renewal case in the Supreme Court has asserted that it has not done anything to undermine the economic stability of the State, but on the contrary has helped it gain Rs 750 crore through e-auction of iron ore.
Refuting allegations made by the government in its affidavit Goa Foundation stated that it had opposed the construction of bridges across the Tiracol and Mandovi rivers and a garbage plant at Sailgao plateau on environmental grounds.
GF stated that the Tiracol Bridge is being constructed with public money for aid of a golf course, in CRZ-I area, without environment studies and without forest clearance.
The construction of the bridge could irreversibly damage the river and convert it into a lagoon for parts of the year.
Construction cost is Rs 77 crore, subsidy for the golf course. State of Goa is bankrupt but constructing the bridge with loan from NABARD.
NGT has directed study of the environmental impact of the bridge from National Institute of Ocean Technology at cost of Rs.40 lakhs, prior to further work on the bridge.
GF further stated that the Mandovi Bridge is third bridge across Mandovi river which already has two bridges within 50 metres of each other.
“Cost of bridge is Rs 560 crore. EIA was conducted by the contractor one year after construction commenced. There is no environment clearance. Bridge piers may damage the river, which is Goa's main river.
On construction of a Municipal Solid Waste Plant, GF stated that the contract is given as a largesse to a BJP contractor, who is putting up a plant at a location expressly forbidden by the High Court in view of damage to existing water body.
“While other MSW plants are contracted at rates ranging from 500 to 800 per tonne, the plant challenged is given out at a cost of Rs 9800 per tonne. Plant commenced construction without environment clearance and without public hearing as mandated by law. The matter is before the NGT now for 9 months, so it cannot be frivolous.
Goa Foundation also reiterated that the renewal of 88 leases by the government was not possible because it was not permitted by law, it was undertaken before notification of the mining policy and without approval of the India Bureau of Mines which is mandatory.
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REJOINDER IN SC
* Tiracol bridge is being built without environmental and forest clearances
* The piers of third Mandovi bridge to be built may damage the river
* Solid Waste Plant being set up a location expressly forbidden by the HC
* Renewal of 88 leases not possible because it is not permitted by law
