PANAJI
Amid strong opposition from villagers of Assolda, Xelvona, Xic-Xelvona and Odar over a proposed cargo jetty at Odar in Quepem, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has ordered a detailed reassessment of the project, taking into account concerns raised by locals.
Hundreds of residents, including people from neighbouring areas in the Curchorem constituency, marched to the State Environment Department office on Monday demanding that the proposal- involving construction of a jetty and platforms for loading and unloading cargo, along with strengthening of the existing Zuari river bund - be scrapped. The project has been proposed by M/s Dinar Tarcar Resources (India) Pvt Ltd.
Villagers alleged that the jetty would ultimately facilitate coal handling and transportation, raising fears of pollution and long-term environmental damage. They sought assurance that no environmental clearance (EC) would be granted and refused to leave the premises until clarity was provided.
With tensions escalating, Curchorem MLA and former Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral intervened and met department officials along with a delegation of villagers.
According to SEIAA, the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) had recommended the project for grant of EC. However, SEIAA has referred the proposal back to SEAC for reassessment and further examination of key issues, including the transport management plan, compensatory afforestation, local impact assessment, protection of the riverbank, and excavation details.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Environment Director, Cabral said SEIAA had assured that the project would be re-evaluated, particularly in light of concerns related to local impact and road accessibility. “The villagers had earlier approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against a similar project in Xelvona, which was later dropped. Despite repeated objections, authorities appear to be proceeding,” he said.
Residents pointed out that the proposal seeks permission for construction of a 336 sq m cargo handling platform, a 237 sq m storage jetty, and a 267-metre gabion wall to strengthen the existing river bund at Odar and Xelvona in Quepem taluka.
While the SEAC recommendation is subject to compliance with stringent ecological and biodiversity safeguards, villagers remain apprehensive that approval of the project could open the door to coal transportation through their villages.
