Panaji (Goa) Continuing its objection to the proposed expansion of cargo handling facility at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has urged Union Ministry for Environment and Forest (MoEF) to re-visit its Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommendation for grant of Environment Clearance (EC) to the project by M/s South West Port Limited (SWPL).

The Board in its communication to MoEF Director has pointed out that EAC has apparently not considering its recommendations that stated that before granting EC for the proposed project, the Source Apportionment studies at MPT port is necessary. 

Board has also put on record before Ministry the various violations committed by the SWPL and the fact that there is a criminal case pending before it for excess coal handling.  

“The Board strongly object to the EAC’s recommendation for grant of EC to the proposed handling of cargo-handling capacity by M/s SWPL at the MPT,” GSPCB member secretary Levinson Martins has said in a letter.

Martins has urged Ministry to look into the matter urgently and re-visit the EAC’s decision for putting before you the glaring discrepancies considering the gravity and seriousness of the State-specific issues.

EAC during its 26th meeting held on December 14, 2017 had recommended the terminal capacity enhancement at Berth 5A-6A for MPT for handling coal, coal-products, iron ore and other cargo for EC before MoEF.