In yet another indication of not so cordial relations shared between the State Government and the Central Government-run Mormugao Port Turst (MPT), the Goa Government department of environment has said that claims by the MPT that its plans for a marina are ecologically friendly should not be taken at face value until vetted by Government agencies.
In a statement issued to the Press, Minister for Environment and Forests Alina Saldanha said that the State Government would tread very carefully while dealing with MPT’s plans.
“The State Government is committed to protecting its marine endowments and the interest of its local grassroots’ stakeholders without any compromise whatsoever,” Saldanha said.
Saldanha was also skeptical about the contents of the EIA saying that it was conducted by a private agency at the behest of the MPT.
“The findings of the EIA being cited and shared with the media by the project proponent absolving the marina project of all the environmental impact has been conducted by privately engaged consultants of the project proponents and is yet to be evaluated by the competent State, Central authorities,” Saldanha said, adding that at this stage it would be “improper to publicise that the benefits of the marina can override the ecological costs of the project.”
The MPT has been in a financial crisis, after mining of iron ore, which accounted for nearly 90 per cent of the port exports and continues to be banned for nearly a year now.
The MPT has been planning as part of his plans for diversifications for building of a cruise terminal to cater to transoceanic cruise-liners and marinas for smaller vessels to park in secure coastal bays.