OLD GOA
The decision by the Environment Ministry to waive off the Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Nauxim marina project has come in for sharp criticism from the opponents of the project with a fresh agitation brewing in the horizon.
Speaking to The Goan, leader of Goenkars Against Marina (GAM) Suresh Palkar informed that the project would have never got EC as the project was proposed in an ecologically sensitive area rich in flora and fauna.
“There is a bay on one side while there is a hill on the other side. This area is rich in biodiversity and it would have been impossible to get EC,” Palkar said, while stating that the Centre has waived off the EC they too knew all along that the project would never get environmental clearance.
When questioned about the future course of action, Palkar said that this time it’s going to be a do-or-die situation and that he has already got in touch with local MLA Viresh Borkar on the issue.
“Most likely, we are going to meet on Sunday and decide our future course of action,” Palkar stated, while adding that the opposition to the project will continue till it is scrapped.
AAP leader Ramrao Wagh, who was also in the forefront in opposing the project, slammed the central BJP government for the decision which he said is nothing but an attempt to give back door entry to the marina project.
“Our opposition to the project primarily is on the impact it would have on the ecology and to waive off the EC is nothing but foolishness,” Wagh stated and warned the government not to play with the sentiments of the locals.
Local panch Deepa Kankonkar also voiced her opposition to the project and said that she is already in contact with MLA Viresh Borkar on the way forward on the issue.
“Though I am on maternity leave at the moment, I am in touch with the MLA and we are going to meet shortly to discuss the future course of action,” Kankonkar said, while adding that she would also urge her supporters to raise the issue at the forthcoming gram sabha.
