Panaji/Bicholim: South Goa Member of Parliament Captain Viriato Fernandes has sought urgent intervention from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change over alleged gross violations of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, in connection with large-scale construction activities by M/s Errichter Infra Pvt. Ltd. in Carapur village of Bicholim taluka.

In a letter addressed to the Union Environment Minister, Captain Fernandes claimed that the company is carrying out construction and area development activities over more than 53 hectares in Survey Nos. 148/0 and 176/1 of Carapur village. According to him, the scale of the project attracts the provisions of Entry 8(b) of the EIA Notification, 2006, which mandates prior Environmental Clearance for township and area development projects.

The MP further alleged that the company has also been allowed to proceed with construction of buildings at Plot Nos. A-134, A-135, B-362 and B-442 within Survey No. 148/0. He stated that permissions for these works were granted by the Deputy Town Planner, Bicholim Taluka, along with the Sarpanch and Secretary of the Village Panchayat Carapur-Sarvan.

Captain Fernandes has claimed that the proposed built-up area is far in excess of 20,000 square metres, thereby attracting Entry 8(a) of the EIA Notification, 2006, which applies to building construction projects. He alleged that despite this requirement, no mandatory Environmental Clearance has been obtained for the project.

The letter also criticised the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Goa, alleging that despite the seriousness of the violations, the authority has failed to act. Fernandes said SEIAA’s inaction amounts to an abdication of statutory responsibility and has allowed the project proponent to continue allegedly unlawful activities unchecked.

He further warned that such activities pose serious risks to the fragile ecological balance, traditional access routes and the welfare of local communities in the area.

In his prayer for relief, Captain Fernandes has urged the Union Environment Minister to direct the immediate stoppage of all ongoing construction and development activities by M/s Errichter Infra Pvt. Ltd. in Carapur village. He has also demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the role of local authorities and SEIAA officials who allegedly permitted or ignored the activities in violation of statutory provisions.

The MP has also sought strict enforcement of the EIA Notification, 2006, and appropriate penal action against the project proponent and any officials found complicit.

Captain Fernandes said the Union Ministry must act swiftly to safeguard the environment, uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of affected communities. The complaint is expected to add momentum to the ongoing concerns in Goa over large-scale land development, construction permissions, environmental clearances and the impact of such projects on village communities.