Govt promises inquiry, says won’t permit coal handling at Xelvona jetty

Porvorim: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said govt will not give any permission to handle coal at the Xelvona jetty, Curchorem.Environment minister Aleixo Sequeira said they have sought clarification from the company on what type of cargo would be handled at the jetty. Sequeira said that state expert appraisal committee (SEAC) will reject their application and withdraw permission if the information provided by the project proponent is unsatisfactory.Sequeira stated that the EIA report has flaws, the panchayat has complained, and govt has sought a clarification.Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral demanded that the NOC and permission for the jetty be withdrawn. He added that govt must take the panchayat and locals into consideration before allowing any development in his constituency.Sequeira said that govt is sensitive to the demands of the people who have said that they don’t want this project, and requested some time to examine the issues. “An appropriate decision will be taken. We have found that there is no road to the jetty. We will genuinely look at it. Give us some time, and we will resolve the issue,” Sequeira said.

Cabral stated that Aditya Environmental Services Pvt Ltd has given all reports concerning North Goa, while the site is in South Goa. “My allegation is that Aditya Environmental Services Pvt Ltd is a fraudulent company, and the EIA submitted by a fraudulent company will not be entertained,” Cabral said.

Sequeira mentioned that as far as GCZMA permission is concerned, it was given during his tenure, and the permission was granted as it is well within their rights.“As soon as queries are replied to within 15 days, we will definitely act,” Sequeira said.Cabral asked whether the minister will write to Union govt and report that this company is fraudulent. “I assure you, we will definitely write and inform Union govt, but I don’t know what action they will take,” Sequeira replied .Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai questioned how permission was granted without knowing the type of cargo.

Opposition leader Yuri Alemao said that mangroves were cut without permission from the forest department for the project and questioned what action will be taken.