PANAJI:
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the Legislative Assembly that the Ahmedabad-based ICMR–National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) has been asked to conduct a comprehensive scientific study on the impact of coal dust on coal-handling workers and residents living in the vicinity of the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
Amid heated debate in the House, Sawant said the study will assess exposure to coal dust and the prevalence of respiratory illnesses among workers and nearby communities, besides analysing the presence of heavy metals in biological samples such as blood and urine.
He added that based on the findings, the institute will recommend measures to improve the health status of the affected population.
The handling of coal at MPT came under intense scrutiny on the second day of the Winter Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, as Opposition MLAs questioned both the validity of environmental clearances and the quantities of coal being handled by the companies.
The Opposition benches even rushed to the well of the House shouting, “Goyant Kolso Naka!”, asserting their demand to halt all coal-related activities in the state.
The Chief Minister, however, maintained that coal handling has been within the permissible limits.
“MPT has three companies handling coal, and they have environmental clearance. SWPL handled 3.4 million tonnes against a permitted 5.5 MTPA; Adani handled 4.6 MPTA against 5.2 MTPA; and Mooring Dolphin handled 0.2 MTPA against 0.3 MTPA. No additional coal handling has been allowed,” he said, adding that Mooring Dolphin does not require clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006.
Sawant clarified that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has not permitted SWPL or Adani Ports to handle any additional quantity of coal and coke at MPT beyond what was approved by the Board in 2012.
Earlier, Congress MLA Altone D’Costa pressed the government, saying, “Without environment clearance, how does the GSPCB give consent to operate coal? Do you have clearance to handle more than five million tons? Show me what you have.” He alleged that operations at MPT were being conducted without proper approvals, putting public health and the environment at risk.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao informed the House that coal has been handled west of the breakwaters without approvals and that an inquiry into the activities be conducted. He also demanded the recovery of the Green Cess pending from the coal handling firms.
