By our Special Correspondent

Panaji (Goa) In yet another blow to M/s South West Port Ltd, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) today rejected their fresh application for grant of Consent to Operate for handling coal cargo at berth number 5A and 6A of the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).

The decision was taken during the Board meeting held today afternoon.

GSPCB chairman Ganesh Shetgaonkar said that the application is rejected on the ground that the facility had no valid environment clearance (EC).

“The EC granted in 2001, expired way back in 2005 as it was valid only for five years,” he said.

It may be recalled that GSPCB had on January 8 revoked the Consent to Operate granted under Air and Water Pollution Act to the SWPL for being involved in excess coal handling.

SWPL application for EC is currently pending before Union Ministry for Environment and Forest (MOEF). The Board has raised its objection for grant of EC to the project.