Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: As the opposition led a scathing attack on the government over the proposed Nauxim marina project, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant while maintaining that no approvals are granted to the project, urged the opposition to support the green project.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva raises concern over the endangered Window Pane Oyster at Sancaole, Zuari & Nauxim. Says despite protests and a High Court case, the government has not intervened in the Nauxim Marina project and declared it a green project.
The house witnessed a heated discussion on the marina project, with opposition MLAs demanding the scrapping of the project terming it to be anti-fishermen. The treasury bench, however, without supporting the project directly, said that the decision would be taken as per CZMP 2011 which is currently in force.
CM Pramod Sawant claims no permission is given. “We have not taken a stand. No environmental clearance is given yet, public hearing is scheduled. You should support the green project but we have not yet granted approval to this project,” said CM.
The government has not yet made any decision or granted any permission for the marina project in Nauxim: Environment Minister Alex Sequeira.
The opposition pointed out that the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has granted its green signal to the proposed AHOY Marina in Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) water. The Ministry has said that the project does not require Environmental Clearance (EC); but will have to obtain all other statutory permissions.
MLA Vijai Sardesai pointed out that Kargwal construction has signed a concession agreement with MPT for a 30-year lease to establish the marina in its waters. He said that the lease is illegal as the water and land do not belong to MPA.
