Team Herald
PANJIM: The Western Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday issued notice on an appeal filed by four villagers of Amona and the Goa Foundation challenging the Environment Clearance issued to the company by the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for expansion of the company’s three blast furnaces and other diversified activity.
The NGT admitted the appeal and has kept the matter for further orders including consideration of the plea for a stay of the EC on August 17.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests HAD issued an Environment Clearance dated January 24, 2022, after a public hearing was held at both, Amona and Navelim. At both public hearings, vociferous opposition had been raised against the expansion proposals.
The expansion involved enhanced production at three blast furnaces, additional coke ovens, a new unit for ductile pipes, etc.
The appeal stated that the EC dated January 24, 2022, for expanding production could not have been issued when the plant has continued to pollute its environment. Appellants drew the attention of the Tribunal to the continuous dispersal of black and shiny graphite particles over their neighborhoods, affecting their health and quality of life.
