NGT keeps in abeyance green nod for expansion of Guj port

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today kept in abeyance for six months the clearance granted for expansion of Port Pipavav in Amreli district of Gujarat and asked Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the state to conduct a fresh appraisal of the project.
A bench headed by NGT's judicial member Justice V R Kingaonkar put on hold the environmental clearance given to the Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd (GPPL) on the plea of NGO Gau Raxa Hitraxak Manch and Gauchar Paryavaran Bachav Trust representing the villagers close to the port.
"In our considered view, therefore, it is necessary to keep the impugned order in abeyance for the present with direction to the MoEF and EAC to appraise the project afresh and pass the necessary reasoned order either for approval thereof or for the rejection, whatsoever it may be found necessary, on merits thereof.

"The impugned order of June 5, 2012 passed by MoEF shall be kept in abeyance for a period of six months hereafter," the bench said.