The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reserved its judgment in the complaint regarding capital dredging undertaken by Mormugao port trust (MPT) to facilitate entry of capesize vessels in Mormugao harbour, for which the channel needs to be deepened from the exisiting 14.5m to 19.5m at an estimated cost of 301 crore. The move came after a final hearing last Wednesday during which the green court heard the arguments of the counsels for both parties and then announced its decision to reserve the judgment. Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Cooperative Society had challenged the environment clearance for the dredging, alleging that the activity has caused severe damage to the ecology and its continuation will only worsen the degradation. The NGT had issued an interim direction asking MPT to deposit a bank guarantee of 50 crore or stop dredging forthwith. A committee appointed by the NGT had also suggested the damage be assessed after dredging is completed, stating the intensive activity was likely to adversely impact biodiversity that sustains bottom feeding fish species. The panel had also noted with concern that with a large part of MPT’s dredging already executed, a reputed marine research organization should be roped in to assess the environmental damage sustained. MPT had stopped dredging from June 1 after the monsoon fishing ban came into effect. NGT had earlier expressed its desire to dispose off the matter, as the dredging was likely to resume after the end of the fishing ban on July 31.
2016@GOACOM.