Overlooking major environmental concerns of locals and green groups, the ministry of environment and forests has granted a green clearance for Goa's second airport to be built in Mopa village at a cost of Rs3000 crore. The ministry's expert appraisal committee had recommended the project for clearance in its last meeting on October 20, and even before making its minutes public, the ministry granted it a final environmental clearance. The airport project requires a total of 2,271 acres and it will be built in four phases.
The ministry's green clearance has come with certain caveats. The proposed airport has to obtain a 'consent to establish' permission from the State Pollution Control Board and also has to ensure availability of land near the proposed airport for managing traffic near the NH17 junction. Besides, for water conservation, the project proponent has to provide fixtures and rain water harvesting too has to be adopted.
The project's clearance, though, does not make any mention of an active wildlife corridor close to the airport site. The airport site falls in the same region which is a continuation of the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg wildlife corridor of Maharashtra, that is used by tigers and migrating elephant herd.
30/10/15 Nikhil M Ghanekar/Daily News & Analysis
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The ministry's green clearance has come with certain caveats. The proposed airport has to obtain a 'consent to establish' permission from the State Pollution Control Board and also has to ensure availability of land near the proposed airport for managing traffic near the NH17 junction. Besides, for water conservation, the project proponent has to provide fixtures and rain water harvesting too has to be adopted.
The project's clearance, though, does not make any mention of an active wildlife corridor close to the airport site. The airport site falls in the same region which is a continuation of the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg wildlife corridor of Maharashtra, that is used by tigers and migrating elephant herd.
30/10/15 Nikhil M Ghanekar/Daily News & Analysis
