MARGAO
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone bench, Pune has provided last opportunity for the Minister of Environment and Forests in the application filed by the Loutolim farmers to file a reply on the question whether the new high level Borim bridge over the river Zuari will require Environment Clearance or not.
By the previous order dated August 9, 2024, the NGT had directed the MoEF&CC to file reply affidavit, particularly, stating therein as to whether the project in question would require EC or not.
When the matter came up before the NGT on Monday, the reply could not be submitted by them and the counsel prayed for additional four weeks’ time for the MoEF&CC to file the reply since the counsel has undergone some surgery in hospital. “We allow the said time by way of last opportunity,” the NGT Bench said, while adjourning the matter for further consideration on January 7, 2025.
The Bench was hearing an Interlocutory Application moved by the farmers of Loutolim praying for staying the effect of the report prepared under Section 3D (1) of National Highway Act, 1956 for the Borim Bridge Project.
However, the counsel for the respondents prayed for two weeks’ time to be allowed to file reply against the IA, submitting that he has not been served a copy of the same, though the same is being disputed by the learned counsel for applicants saying that the same has been served upon the respondents long back. “Let a copy of this IA be served upon the said respondents again through e-mail within two days and thereafter, learned counsel for the said respondents may file objection against the same within two weeks,” the Bench directed.
The Bench observed: “From the side of respondent No. 1- State of Goa and for respondent No. 6- MCZMA, learned counsel Ms Manasi Joshi has appeared before us, who submits that she does not want to file response against this IA and further submits that she has to file reply affidavit against the main application, for which two weeks’ time may be allowed. We allow the said time. During argument, it is made clear by her that CRZ application moved by the respondent Nos. 2 to 5 is pending consideration before them and the same is likely to be processed very soon. We direct that details of the said application be also submitted in the reply affidavit, which is to be filed from their side.”
