Team Goemkaronn
Panaji: Facing strong resistance from locals and political pressure, the Goa government has announced its intention to withdraw environmental clearance granted for the controversial jetty project at Odar and Xelvona in Curchorem constituency.
The project, proposed by M/s Dinar Tarcar Resources (India) Pvt. Ltd., aimed to construct loading and unloading jetties. However, it sparked outrage in Xelvona after villagers raised fears that it would be used for coal transportation. The local panchayat passed a resolution opposing the project, citing environmental concerns and accusing the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) of granting approval without prior consultation.
Raising the issue in the Assembly, MLA Nilesh Cabral questioned the Environment Minister’s role and flagged the panchayat’s opposition. Supporting the concerns, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said villagers were living in fear, linking the jetty and an adjoining railway bridge to possible coal movement.
Responding in the House, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant firmly assured that no permission will be granted for coal handling at the site, though he noted the jetty could potentially serve iron ore transport. “We are studying the matter, and will not allow tourism or the environment to be affected,” he added.
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira went a step further, announcing that the government will withdraw the environmental clearance granted to the project. “The government is sensitive to the sentiments of the people. The panchayat has passed a resolution against it, and we will act accordingly,” he said.
The project had received nods from GCZMA and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), which recently gave the project proponent 15 days to respond to queries or face rejection of the application.
