the goan I network
PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal, principal bench in New Delhi has refused to grant interim relief to South West Port Limited, the Mormugao Port arm of JSW Infrastructure, which has challenged the Goa State Pollution Control Board’s (GSPCB’s) decision to revoke consent for coal handling at berths 5A and 6A.
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal instead was of the opinion that the case should be heard and disposed of on merits and listed the matter for final hearing mid-April.
They express urgency in the matter and seek [an] interim order be passed giving interim relief. However, considering [the] circumstances we are of the opinion that this case could be heard and disposed on merits,” the NGT bench of Justice S P Wangdi, Jawad Rahim and Nagin Nanda decreed.
South West Port Ltd, had filed the case in early February seeking that its consent to operate be reinstated. While arguing the case, counsel for SWPL admitted they SWPL have exceeded the handling capacity of 4.125 million metric tons, but insisted that there has been no environmental pollution.
“The company has installed the continuous ambient air quality monitoring system station as per the requirement of the SPCB, and complete closure of the activity including the permitted coal handling would have a grave impact on the development and labour force engaged at Mormugao Port Trust,” SWPL’s counsel argued assuring the tribunal that they will restrict its activity to the limited handling capacity.
