MLAs raise concerns of environmental damage; fear jetty will be used for coal transportation
PANAJI
Bowing to mounting opposition and political pressure, the Goa government is examining whether to withdraw the CRZ clearance granted to the proposed jetty project at Odar and Xelvona in the Curchorem constituency, if the proposed project is for coal transportation.
The project, proposed by M/s Dinar Tarcar Resources (India) Pvt Ltd, aimed to construct a jetty for loading and unloading of cargo, the kind of cargo has not been specified by the project proponent. The House was informed that the project has drawn sharp criticism from Xelvona villagers, who feared the infrastructure would be used for coal transportation.
MLAs like Nilesh Cabral and Vijai Sardesai informed the House that the local panchayat passed a resolution opposing the project, citing potential environmental damage and alleging that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) approved it without prior consultation. They linked the jetty and an adjoining railway bridge to possible coal movement and stating that locals were living in fear.
In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the House that no approval will be given for coal handling at the site, although he added the jetty might be considered for iron ore transport. “We are looking into the matter and if required permission granted by GCZMA will be withdrawn,” he said.
Taking a firm stand, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira said that though the GCZMA has granted CRZ clearance, the project is currently pending before the State Expert Appraisal Committee for Environmental Clearance. He said that the SEAC has raised certain queries including the kind of cargo to be handled at the jetty.
“If the project proponent fails to reply within 15 days then the application will be rejected and subsequently the CRZ clearance granted will be withdrawn by GCZMA,” he said.
Sequeira said that the government is sensitive to public sentiment and since the panchayat has passed a resolution opposing the project, the government will act accordingly.
