Re-verification of consents issued between April and Dec 2025; port terminals, mining blocks and govt agencies among projects under lens
PANAJI
In a significant regulatory crackdown, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has initiated the process of re-verifying environmental consents granted to nearly 296 units across the State, spanning multiple sectors including iron ore mineral blocks and major coal handling facilities such as the Adani Group and South West Port Limited (SWPL).
The decision was taken during the Board meeting held last month. The consents under review include Consent to Operate (new and renewals) and Consent to Establish (new and expansion) issued under the Air and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts between April 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. These approvals cover industries classified under Red, Orange and Green categories, along with 20 units registered under the White category during the same period.
Of the total 296 consents issued, 136 were granted to units under the Orange category, 99 under the Green category and 61 to Red category industries, which include mining, coal handling and sponge iron operations. As many as 198 consents were issued between September 1 and December 31, while 98 were cleared between April 1 and August 31, 2025.
“After discussion and deliberation, it was decided to re-verify all the consents granted,” the Board stated, indicating a comprehensive review of compliance and documentation.
Among the projects granted approvals were several mineral blocks including Cudnem Mineral Block (VII and VI), Bicholim Mineral Block (I), Tivim-Pirna Mineral Block (VIII), Advalpale-Thivim Mineral Block (V), Sirigao-Mayem Mineral Block (II), Monte-de-Sirigao (III) and Kalay Mineral Block (IV). Except for Kalay, all other blocks have commenced fresh ore extraction operations.
During the same period, the Board renewed the consolidated Consent and Authorisation granted to M/s Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Pvt Ltd and permitted expansion of the Consolidated Consent and Authorisation (CCA) for SWPL. Amendments were also made to consents granted to the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) for its Mooring Dolphin facility and coal handling operations.
State government agencies such as the Public Works Department (PWD), Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd also secured approvals during this period.
The Board’s decision comes in the aftermath of the tragic fire at the Birch Nightclub, which claimed 25 lives. Investigations revealed that the establishment had been granted consent based on an old trade licence and related permissions, prompting the Board to tighten scrutiny and undertake a comprehensive re-verification of recent approvals.
