PANAJI: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests at its meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (Independent charge), Mr Jairam Ramesh, decided not to permit any Special Economic Zone within the Coastal Regulation Zone area in Goa and it was also decided to grant Goa ‘special status.’

Addressing a press conference late on Tuesday evening, the Environment Minister Mr Aleixo Sequeira told reporters that this new decision would be notified soon. He said that the Congress-led government headed by Mr Digambar Kamat has been pursuing the matter with the central ministry which has accepted the state’s request and decided to grant Goa special status.
He further said that the MoEF had clarified that Goa State Pollution Control Board would enjoy full powers in issuing orders/directions under Environment Protection Act, adding further that order to this effect would be issued soon. He also said that the ministry has also clarified on earlier restrictions and said that they no longer were in force.
Mr Sequeira also said that MoEF has agreed in principle to extend the World Bank scheme to grant special funds for beach protection to Goa along with some other states. The states of Orissa, West Bengal and Kerala were the beneficiaries of the scheme in the first phase.
The Environment Minister also said that he had objected to the National Highway Authority of India proposal for 60 metres wide road in his constituency way back in February 2009, and demanded that it be scrapped. He further said that it was at his initiative that the Chief Minister had stopped public hearing indefinitely, till such time that all the details with regard to the land acquisitioning and other processes were provided to public.
Asked to comment on the issue of alleged involvement of Mr Roy Naik, the son of the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik in drug case, he said that he was sure that the government would conduct a thorough enquiry in the matter and that truth would be known shortly. He also said that he was happy that Mr Roy Naik has made a statement which would put to rest many doubts people might have had.
Meanwhile, sources in the government said that the GSPCB would soon challenge all orders against various firms and hotels staying its earlier orders before appropriate authority/forum.