Team Herald
PANJIM: Union Ministry for Environment and Forest (MoEF) has defended, before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), its decision to grant an Environmental Clearance (EC) for the construction of the international airport at Mopa.
The NGT is hearing two petitions filed by Hanuman Aroskar and Rainbow Warriors, challenging the EC granted to the project.
The petitioners have pointed out that land acquisition for the airport was carried out prior of undertaking the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the government had concealed the fact that the Western Ghats are within a radius of ten kilometers of the site. It also said that there is wildlife present, which has been ignored and noise levels of airport operations could have an adverse effect on the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats.
Additional Solicitor General of India Atmaram Nadkarni, appearing on behalf of MoEF, defended the Ministry’s decision of granting EC with facts, figures and also EIA report. The matter will continue on Monday.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa had twice earlier rejected petitions challenging the EC for the project, upholding the government’s arguments.
