Goa Environment Department Pledges Review of Controversial Coal Jetty Projects Following Mass Protest
The environment department in Goa has committed to a thorough review of the highly contentious coal jetty projects proposed for Assolda, responding to intense pressure from a large-scale protest on Monday. A significant number of residents from Assolda, Curchorem, Xelvona, Hodar, and surrounding areas gathered at the department's office in Panaji, demanding accountability and transparency.
Political and Public Outcry Over Environmental Clearance
The demonstration saw active participation from key political figures, including Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Congress state president Amit Patkar. This public outcry was triggered by the Goa State Environment Appraisal Committee's recommendation to grant environmental clearance for two disputed jetty projects at Bag-Xelvona and Hodor. Locals firmly assert that these projects are exclusively intended for coal transportation, raising serious environmental and community concerns.
Allegations of Compromised Survey and Legal Violations
Inside the office, a delegation of protesters confronted Environment Director Sachin Dessai, presenting what they described as a deeply flawed survey report. Social activist Aditya Dessai, part of the delegation, highlighted the discrepancies by stating, "We placed before the director and officials a map of the site, which clearly shows thick vegetation, mangroves, agricultural fields, coconut groves, hills, and forests. We asked them how the department's survey report is completely silent on all of this."
The delegation raised critical questions about the survey's validity, questioning how it was conducted without proper site access. Officials reportedly failed to provide satisfactory answers, leading to demands for action against those responsible for the "fraudulent" report. Additionally, protesters pointed out a significant legal oversight: villagers were not consulted before the approval recommendation, directly violating a National Green Tribunal order that mandates consideration of residents' concerns.
Official Assurances and Future Steps
Under sustained pressure, officials assured that the project proposal would be presented to the Goa State Impact Assessment Authority at its next meeting. They also confirmed that a six-member team constituted by the panchayat would be present during the review process to ensure community representation.
Political Demands and Threats of Escalation
Speaking to reporters outside the environment department office, MLA Nilesh Cabral emphasized, "Our demand is the scrapping of the jetty." Protesters have warned that they will intensify their agitation if concrete action to cancel the jetty projects is not taken promptly, signaling ongoing tension and potential future confrontations.
