VASCO: Despite Goa Chief Minister’s letter to the Central government opposing further expansion of existing coal handling facilities at Mormugao Port, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has recommended grant of environmental and CRZ clearance for the proposed terminal capacity enhancement at berth number 5-A and 6-A of Mormugao Port for handling coal and coal products, iron ore and limestone, including unitised and steel products at Mormugao port by South West Port Limited(SWPL), a company owned by the Infrastructure giant JSW. The proposal had earlier been considered at two meetings of the EAC in August and October 2017 and deferred on various grounds. As per the minutes of 26th meeting of EAC (Infra-2) of MoEF&CC held on December 15, 2017 (minutes uploaded on MoEF website on January 1, 2018) it has been mentioned: “The EAC deliberated upon the information provided by the project proponent and noted that various steps that have been taken towards air pollution control measures which vehemently control the particulates emissions in the terminal at the present scenario.” The minutes further state, “On being satisfied with the submissions of the project proponent in response to its observations, EAC recommended the project for grant of environmental and CRZ clearance. It stipulated several specific conditions along with other environmental conditions while considering for accord of environmental and CRZ clearance. This included compliance of commitments made during the public hearing and recorded in the minutes in letter and spirit.” The decision of the EAC has come as a shocker for anti-coal pollution groups, environmentalists and residents of Vasco. Some claimed that the EAC has given Goans a bad New Year gift. “I am shocked, surprised and dismayed with the EAC’s recommendations. It is obvious that Goa CM Parrikar’s written request to Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister of EF&CC did not have an impact,” said Vasco based environmental activist, Advocate Savio J F Correia.