The High Court has issued notices to the Goa government and other concerned parties in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed expansion of coal handling capacity at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
The petitioners allege that the plan aims to increase coal handling from 10.6 million tonnes to 42.1 million tonnes by 2035, a move they claim will significantly worsen air and water pollution, adversely affecting fishing communities, marine ecosystems, and tourism in the region.
Taking serious note of the concerns, the High Court has sought replies from the government and relevant authorities within four weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for September 11.
The PIL has reignited public debate over Goa’s environmental sustainability and industrial policies, as locals and environmentalists continue to raise alarm over the long-term impacts of coal-related activities on coastal life and livelihoods.