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| Expert team at Gopalpur port |
| BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Berhampur May 13, 2009, 00:36 IST |
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A team of experts visited Gopalpur port in Ganjam district to assess the environmental measures taken by Gopalpur Port Limited (GPL), a special purpose vehicle, which is developing the minor port into a major one.
The six-member team held discussions with the company authorities on the impact of port development on environment. The team is likely to submit its report to the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) in a week.
“We have discussed all aspects of environment which are likely to be impacted by the port development. These aspects include beach erosion, effect on wildlife, livelihood of the local fishermen, tourism potential on the beach as well as blue lagoon and shoreline management,” said Jagannath Bastia, one of the members of the expert committee and president, Beach Protection Council of Orissa. The Gopalpur port was handed over to the company on October 30, 2006. GPL would invest around Rs 1,700 crore to develop the minor and seasonal port into an all-weather major port.
It may be noted that GPL is yet to receive environmental clearance from the MoEF. The MoEF has engaged the State Coastal Zone Authorities (SCZA) to assess the environment measures taken by the port developer and give its suggestions to the ministry before the grant of environmental clearance.
The members of the committee include Bhagirathi Behera, director and special secretary (environment), Orissa government; NLNS Prasad, director, MoEF; JK Tiwari, chief conservator of forests, Union government; Sudarshan Panda, chief executive, Chilika Development Authority; Manmohan Mohanty, geologist and Jagannath Bastia, president, Beach Protection Council of Orissa. It may be noted that GPL is yet to receive environmental clearance from the MoEF. The MoEF has engaged the State Coastal Zone Authorities (SCZA) to assess the environment measures taken by the port developer and suggest the ministry before the clearance.
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