PANJIM: Prima facie noting that the capital dredging undertaken by Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to facilitate entry of capesize vessels in Mormugao harbor is within the purview of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has sought the Union Ministry’s intervention for necessary action
SEIAA at its recent meeting had observed that the capital dredging is categorized as ‘A’ and mandates environment clearance from the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests (MoEF). “Authority has noted that the proposed activity, prima facie, comes under the direct purview of the Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 Notification,” the minutes of the meeting state. “Hence the authority has decided to refer the matter before MoEF for redressal,” it added.
SEIAA was in receipt of a representation from Baina Ramponkar & Fishing Canoe Owners Society, and Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Coop Society Ltd requesting suitable action for illegal ongoing dredging/deepening of the existing navigational channel at MPT.
The associations had also approached NGT against capital dredging undertaken by MPT to facilitate entry of capesize vessels in Mormugao harbour, for which the channel needs to be deepened from the existing 14.5m to 19.5m at an estimated cost of Rs 301 crore. NGT has reserved its judgment.
A committee appointed by NGT had also suggested the damage be assessed after dredging is completed, stating the intensive activity was likely to adversely impact biodiversity that sustains bottom feeding fish species.
The petitioner had claimed that the project will have an adverse impact including effect on water quality, on habitats of local aquatic life besides destruction of their livelihood activity – fishing.
