Team Herald
PANJIM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday reserved its judgment in the petition challenging construction of the third bridge over River Mandovi.
Final arguments on the petition filed by Goa Foundation concluded this morning, wherein the State government informed NGT that the project did not require an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study and that the Environment clearance (EC) from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has been granted.
The State also told the court that following its earlier interim order to ensure that mangroves are not destroyed, the government has kept one side of the project on hold and is working on a new plan.
The State’s claims were countered by the Foundation, pointing that EIA study is a must as the construction is massive and likely to impact mangroves and the river bed. It also pointed out to illegal commencement of work on the third pillar, which is in breach of the explicit statements made by counsel for the government.
that no construction of new pillars in the river would be made, until the NGT passes its final judgment.
After the final arguments, NGT reserved its judgement.
