VASCO: After eight-long days of public hearing for all three expansion projects at Mormugao Port, the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) authorities have started preparing its formal reply addressing all important questions raised by the citizens. This document will be submitted next weekend before the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
Speaking to Herald, MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar said a team of MPT officials along with a consultant of the projects and advocate were preparing a objective and concise reply to using reports and other documents pertaining to the proposed expansion projects which would then be submitted within the due period.
When asked to comment on allegations levelled by citizens over the improper and contradictory draft EIA documents submitted before the citizens public hearing, he said “ Actually citizens wanted us to including sensitive information in the in the draft EIA. As sensitive information has no definition, we had mentioned important information about the navy, coast guard etc, but citizens pointed out no mention was made of schools, hospitals etc. This is a matter of a difference in interpretation, however in our reply we will be answering all objective questions raised”.
When asked whether all the points and apprehensions raised by the citizens would be replied by MPT, he said “Actually we are preparing concise reply. As many points were repeated during the hearing, we will group the queries and then reply using scientific evidence and proper data available,” he said.
