The petition filed by the Loutolim farmers seeking a stay on the land acquisition proceedings for the construction of the new high level Borim bridge came up for hearing before the National Green Tribunal, Western Bench, Pune.
While the petitioners strongly argued for a stay on the land acquisition proceedings, the Tribunal is believed to have advised the petitioners to approach the High Court in respect of the land acquisition proceedings.
Environmental activist Abhijit Prabhudesai informed that while the NGT did not grant the prayer for stay on the land acquisition proceeding, the Tribunal has adjourned the matter for further hearing in the month of September.
“We are waiting for the order issued by the NGT. However, during the hearing on Monday, the Tribunal advised the farmers to move the High Court since the land acquisition aspects of the petition falls within the HC jurisdiction”, he said.
Abhijit, however, said the NGT will hear the contentions raised by the petitioners at the September hearing in respect of issues relating to environment.
The Loutolim farmers had moved the NGT with a plea to issue directions to the respondents not to proceed with the project without first obtaining a prior Environment Clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006.
They have prayed to the NGT to directed the respondent, including the Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Executive Engineer, Works Division XV (NH), Public Works Department, Chief Engineer (NH, R&B), Public Works Department and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to reconsider or re-design and selection of the alternative for `proposed construction of High Level New Borim Bridge on NH-17B (NH-566)in the State of Goa, on the ground that the present design/alignment of the project fails to identify and consider the presence of CRZ areas, forest areas and environmental preservation and the impact on these eco-sensitive areas and the people dependent on these areas.
