PANJIM: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued show cause notices to three beneficiation plants for withdrawal of its consent orders. The managements of these plants have been directed to show cause within seven days as to why the consent should not be revoked.
According to complainant Goa Foundation, its application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had led to an order for closure of the Vedanta Beneficiation Plants at Codli mining leases. These were being operated without an environment clearance, Director Claude Alvares said.
Vedanta then moved the Supreme Court and obtained a stay. Meanwhile, the two-year permit that was issued by the Directorate of Mines and Geology expired. This was not renewed hence the two plants had to close. The permit was challenged by the Goa Foundation before the High Court.
Thereafter, the MOEF&CC issued an office memorandum which made it clear that such plants cannot be granted consent to operate unless they have an EC under the EIA notification of 2006.
The Goa Foundation, on March 8, 2021 filed formal complaints against the Vedanta beneficiation plants at Amone and Surla, and the Fomento plant at Santona, asking for their closure on same grounds. “These plants have also been functioning on the basis of illegal permits issued by the Chief Inspector of Factories and Boilers. It has taken several months for the Pollution Board to act. Finally, show cause notices for withdrawal of the consent orders have been issued,” Alvares said.
