Daijiworld Media Network - Margao
Margao, Nov 13: Disputing the government’s claim that no fresh permissions have been granted for coal handling in Goa, environmental collective Goyant Kollso Naka (GKN) has alleged that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) approved the doubling of coal handling capacity at Mormugao Port’s Berths 5A and 6A in January 2023.
According to GKN, the clearance granted to South West Ports Ltd allows coal handling to increase from 7 MTPA to 14 MTPA, a move they say contradicts the State government’s assurances to the people.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, GKN leader Abhijit Prabhudesai accused both the Central and State governments of “silently facilitating massive coal expansion” despite public opposition. “Construction work for additional capacity is progressing rapidly, with complete government support,” he said, adding that the group will take the matter “to its logical conclusion” and is ready to hold an open debate with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant or his representative at any time.
He further revealed that a new coal-handling jetty at Xelvona was also being pushed forward, with approvals currently under review by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) despite protests from local residents. “The Chief Minister knows of this proposal but refuses to withdraw it. This jetty continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of locals,” Prabhudesai stated.
GKN also raised concerns about the Environmental Clearance granted on July 21, 2025, for capital dredging of Vasco Bay from 14 metres to 19 metres, which would allow larger cape-size vessels to dock. “This dredging is solely to facilitate massive coal imports, which will make Vasco and nearby areas unlivable,” he warned.
Accusing the government of prioritising Mormugao Port interests, Prabhudesai alleged that land is being forcibly acquired through fertile khazan lands in Loutulim to build a 60-metre-wide highway and the Borim Bridge. “Documents clearly show that the alignment was changed to benefit Mormugao Port, even though it increases the travel distance for common commuters,” he said.
He also condemned the double tracking of the South Western Railway (SWR) line through Velsao and neighbouring villages, claiming it is “purely for coal movement” as per the Sagarmala Master Plan. “Even the railway authorities admitted this before the Supreme Court, which later refused permission for works in protected areas,” he added, accusing the State of “misusing police and revenue officials to suppress local resistance.”
GKN reiterated that the Chief Minister’s continued endorsement of the Sagarmala Master Plan, which targets over 130 MTPA of coal movement through Goa, is “the root cause of every coal expansion project.”
“The CM’s failure to delist Goa’s rivers from the National Waterways Act and his reluctance to ban coal jetties or dredging has left Goans vulnerable,” Prabhudesai asserted. “If he truly wished to stop coal transportation, he would have scrapped the NH-4A and SWR expansion projects through Mollem’s wildlife sanctuaries.”
While thanking citizens for turning out in large numbers at the Lohia Maidan meeting on Sunday, Goyant Kollso Naka expressed confidence that Goans “irrespective of political affiliations” will continue to stand united in the fight against coal expansion in the State.