PANJIM: In a major setback to Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has deferred the decision to reconsider grant of environmental clearance (EC) to two of its major projects – the Rs 1,145 crore redevelopment of Berths 8, 9 and Barge Berth and the Rs 285 crore capital dredging of navigational channel at its cruise berth.
The EAC has directed MPT to conduct a source apportionment study identifying and quantifying the sources of pollution from individual activities being carried out in both projects.
EAC noted that as far as redevelopment of berths are considered, the two berths will be dedicated iron ore berths and one berth will be a multipurpose general cargo berth to handle a variety of cargoes like bauxite, limestone, gypsum, steel coils, fertilizers, granite, etc.
“The committee deliberated upon the issues raised during the public hearing/public consultation meeting conducted by Goa State Pollution Control Board on 28.04.2017, 04.05.2017, and 05.05.2017. The issues were raised regarding impact of dredging on fishermen, pollution control measures, traffic congestion due to increase in number of rakes, steps taken to control coal combustion, impact of noise pollution on marine life etc,” the minutes of the meeting held between July 10 and 12, state.
As far as capital dredging is concerned, the EC granted to the project in February 2016, was set aside by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in September 2016, on grounds that the public hearing which is mandatory was not conducted. MPT was asked to apply afresh for the EC following due procedure.
MPT then applied for fresh terms of reference for the Environment Impact Assessment study in October 2016 and this was carried out by WAPCOS Ltd. The public hearing on the project was held from April 27, 2017 to May 4, 2017.
“The issues were raised regarding health impact due to coal handling, tree plantation, protection of hump bak dolphins, impact of dredging on marine ecology, sustainable use of dredged material, detailed carrying capacity study etc,” the EAC noted.
After going through the proposal made for reconsideration of EC, the EAC has directed MPT to submit the findings of source apportionment study identifying and quantifying the sources of pollution from individual activities being carried out in the project and the findings/recommendations of the study relevant for the protection of environment in the area in case of both the projects.
The EAC has also sought point wise reply to the issues raised/representation submitted during public hearings in case of both projects and time bound action plan as it noted that some issues were not addressed by the project proponent satisfactorily.
“In view of the foregoing observations, the EAC recommended to defer the proposal. The proposal shall be reconsidered after the above details are addressed and submitted,” the minutes of the meeting stated.
