The demand of Goa Against Coal (GAC) that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) withdraw the consent to operate given to the Jindal’s South West Ports Limited (SWPL) is fully justified. The people of Vasco have been suffering for a long time due to the coal dust pollution and they should no longer be treated as guinea pigs by being subjected any more to the health hazards, mainly respiratory diseases. It may be recalled that Central Minister Nitin Gadkari on an earlier visit to Goa had categorically stated that he had no problem in shifting coal handling activities from Goa to another state if Goans are against it. Vascoites in particular have to be informed that Adanis have acquired the Carmichael coal mine in Australia and thus MPT would be used to import coal from this coal mine into the country. Another point to be emphasized is that this being election year, with the Lok Sabha election slated for next year, the government will try to appease the voters and after being elected they may renege on their poll promises. The time is ripe for coal handling and transportation to be stopped, in view of its deleterious effects on the people of the port town of Vasco.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
