Team Herald
MARGAO: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a Rs 5,000 cost on the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for its failure to provide essential information in the ongoing Borim bridge case. This action highlights the NGT’s growing impatience with delays that continue to plague the legal challenge brought by concerned local farmers.
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The NGT’s order, dated April 23, 2025, reveals the tribunal’s clear frustration. The MoEFCC had been directed to submit its opinion on whether the bridge project, if exceeding 150,000 square metres, would fall under category 8(b) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 – a classification that would mandate environmental clearance.
Instead of providing the requested affidavit, the MoEFCC sought an adjournment, citing a related case before the Supreme Court. The NGT, however, deemed this explanation insufficient. The tribunal specifically noted the Ministry’s failure to provide details of the Supreme Court writ petition or adequately explain its potential impact on the proceedings before the NGT.
Furthermore, the order addresses the Public Works Department’s (PWD) continued failure to provide crucial project details. The Executive Engineer, Works Division XV (NH), PWD, Government of Goa, has been given a week to explain the reasons for withholding this information and to provide a firm timeline for its submission, particularly as the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under revision. The NGT explicitly stated that the absence of a timeline was “objectionable” and mandated that the explanation be submitted in writing via affidavit.
As a direct consequence of the MoEFCC’s non-compliance, the NGT has imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 on the Union Ministry, to be deposited with the NGT Bar Association, WZB, Pune, within eight days. The tribunal has granted the Ministry a final week to submit the required affidavit, making it clear that it will be compelled to rule on the farmers’ request for an interim stay on the project even without the Ministry’s input.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2025.
Loutolim farmers welcome fine, decry govt’s ‘delay tactics’
Team Herald
MARGAO: Loutolim farmers have cautiously welcomed the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) decision to fine the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), but remain wary of what they see as ongoing attempts to delay a final ruling on the controversial Borim bridge project. Speaking after the latest NGT hearing, Albert Pinheiro, president of the Carbot, Mascasana & Bebdo Tenants Association in Loutolim, reiterated the farmers’ determination to protect their ancestral lands.
“We have pointed out to the NGT that the 3D notification issued by MORTH is in violation of Supreme Court orders,” Pinheiro stated, referring to the P. V. Krishnamoorthy case. He argued that the 3D notification was issued without the necessary environmental and forest clearances, expressing confidence that this would lead to a stay and the quashing of land acquisition proceedings.
Pinheiro also accused government authorities of employing delay tactics, asserting that they have “no defense against our factual and legal submissions.” He highlighted the fact that the ministry has mentioned revising the project, yet no revised plan has been submitted via an affidavit.
The core issue, according to Pinheiro, remains whether the project requires environmental clearance due to its size exceeding 150,000 square metres and its location on Khazan land, where only agriculture and pisciculture are permitted. “Even if the bridge is built on stilts,” he explained, “the roads required to construct it and move materials will inevitably damage the land.” He also reiterated the farmers’ challenge to the land acquisition itself.
Regarding the Vanashakti case, which the Ministry has cited in its arguments before the court, Pinheiro clarified that it is a separate matter, although it also involves environmental concerns and land acquisition potentially exceeding 150,000 square metres. He suggested that authorities might be referencing the Vanashakti case in an attempt to address the environmental clearance issue, but emphasized that the application in that case is still pending.
Pinheiro concluded by expressing the farmers’ disappointment that they have not yet received the interim relief they believe they deserve. “Justice is delayed, which appears to be denied presently,” he lamented. Despite this, he affirmed the farmers’ continued faith in the judicial system and their unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage Khazan lands. “Our work of preparing for the cultivation is in full swing, and nothing can disturb us,” Pinheiro declared.
The farmers were also disappointed over the long wait for the next hearing, as they feel it leaves them in stress and suspense. They continue to voice concerns that authorities may attempt to move forward with the project despite the pending legal challenges.
