PANJIM: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change granted Environmental Clearance (EC) to the controversial Mopa airport project, with a clear provision for an appeal with the National Green Tribunal (NGT).The EC conditions also state that any appeal against the EC shall be with the National Green Tribunal, if preferred, within a period of 30 days as prescribed under Section 16 of the NGT Act 2010.
The Goans For Dabolim Only (GFDO) has already announced they will challenge in court the government’s actions towards construction of the proposed Mopa airport.
The Ministry has taken cognizance of apprehensions and the discrepancies raised by the Federation of Rainbow Warriors with regards the environment and the ground water recharge.
The EC, copy of which is in possession of Herald, has laid 26 specific condition and 28 general conditions.
Significantly, one of the conditions regularly stated in all EC clearances is also included in the Mopa EC order. It states that the environment clearance is subject to the final order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Goa Foundation v/s Union of India in the Writ Petition (Civil) No 460 of 2004 as may be applicable to this project.
According to Claude Alvares, Director Goa Foundation, the petition was against the trend of granting post facto EC clearances for projects, instead of taking pre-project clearances. This matter is still pending before the Supreme Court and could become a vital factor in the long run.
When Herald spoke to the Director of Civil Aviation Suresh Shanbhogue on the conditions laid for the airport, he claimed ignorance of the issue.
“I have no idea of EC being granted as I haven’t received it yet,” he said.
Shanbhogue also said he is ignorant of any petition in the Supreme Court.
“Once we have the EC in hand, we will write to the EAC on the matter to get it rectified,” he said.
The EC has asked the State to take necessary permission for drawing of ground water from competent authority prior to construction of project.
The Ministry has also asked the State to provide water conservation fixtures and that water balance be maintained through verifiable metering for fresh raw water, recycled as well as rain water harvesting.
Besides, the ministry has asked for rain water harvesting to recharge the ground water.
The State has also been directed to comply with the responses or commitments made during public hearing in letter and spirit.
“Project proponent shall install noise level display system and the level be monitored regularly in all seasons within the compound as well as the habitations and it must be in prescribed limits,” the EC says.
The EC has also instructed the project proponent to set up a separate project environmental management cell for effective implementation of the stipulated environmental safeguards under the supervision of senior executive.
