PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has allowed an application filed by Goa Foundation and Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Co-op Society Ltd seeking to be impleaded as respondents in the writ petition filed by South West Port Ltd (SWPL) seeking directions to MoEF to consider their plea for environmental clearance for expansion at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
The court order said Goa Foundation and Old Cross should file their replies within two weeks from the date of the order and the matter would be taken up on April 4, 2018.
Goa Foundation and Old Cross Fishing Canoe Co-op Society filed an application to be joined as respondents in the writ petition as they wished to bring on record several documents related to the issue for the benefit of the court’s adjudication in public interest.
The application was opposed by SWPL but the Court considered all views and decided to allow the application and also granted permission to the newly added respondents file a detailed affidavit.
SWPL filed the writ petition seeking clarification/modification of an order passed by NGT Delhi restraining authorities from granting CRZ/environment clearances unless the Integrated Coastal Management Plans of all coastal states have been prepared and approved.
SWPL first approached NGT Delhi where Goa Foundation opposed the application. SWPL then withdrew the application from the NGT and filed it as a writ petition in the High Court.
MoEF’s Expert Appraisal Committee had decided to recommend the SWPL proposal for enhancement of coal handling at MPT for EC despite a public hearing opposing the grant of EC and despite objections of the Chief Minister and the Goa State Pollution Control Board. MoEF, however, declined to grant the environment clearance in view of the NGT’s order.
