the goan I network
VASCO
The MPT has opposed the Goa State Pollution Control Board’s (GSPCB) to withdraw consent to handle cargo at Mooring Dolphins, on grounds that the mooring dolphins do not require environmental clearance.
MPT has approached the NGT Delhi in the matter, and the hearing is on April 4.
Speaking to reporters, MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar said the environmental clearance was a one-time approval and only consent to operate required to be renewed.
“The environmental clearance is only taken initially to start or commission a project. Once you start the project, there is no question of EC at all. Only the consent to operate has to be renewed,” said Jeyakumar.
“There are three categories of industries like red, green and yellow, where the consent to operate is granted. The port comes under the red category 1b and the consent to operate is valid for five years.”
“So every five years, there will be a review of granting consent to operate and there is no question of applying for EC again. This is a basic principle across India. However, the GSPCB grants consent for only 2 years (yellow is 10 years and green is unlimited) and I dont know how the GSPCB is interpreting it here,” said Jeyakumar.
The MPT chairman said the rule to seek EC came into existence in 2006 and Mooring Dolphins were constructed in 2003. “Then, there was no EC required as it is in water area. The CRZ is from low tide line to high tide line and this is away from low tide line and hence, there was no EC required,” said Jeyakumar.
Jeyakumar also informed that MPT will now be approaching the NGT Delhi in the matter. “We have already pleaded before the Central NGT at New Delhi and we will be adding this input on April 4. When the rule says 5 years, the GSPCB is giving consent for 2 years. We will be requesting GSPCB to go as per books, otherwise will we take legal course of action. It is not fair to act as per one’s own whims and fancies,” said Jeyakumar.
