Says IIT-Bombay, ICMR-NIOH assessing pollution impact
MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that multiple scientific studies on air quality and public health are being conducted in and around Vasco to assess the impact of activities at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
Replying to queries in the House, Sawant said the MPA has already carried out a Particulate Source Apportionment Study for air quality in Vasco da Gama through IIT Bombay.
Based on the recommendations made in the study, the port authority has taken follow-up action and submitted the report to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
The Chief Minister further stated that a comprehensive health impact assessment of communities residing in the vicinity of the port and Vasco city is currently being undertaken by the GSPCB through the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR-NIOH), Ahmedabad.
“The study is in progress and is expected to be completed within a timeline of 30 months,” Sawant said.
Sawant said the GSPCB had also independently conducted a Particulate Source Apportionment Study for air quality in the port town through IIT Bombay in December 2021.
The study identified four major sources contributing to particulate pollution – road dust, port-related activities and biomass burning, marine aerosols, and vehicular emissions.
According to the Chief Minister, the findings of the study were forwarded to the Mormugao Port Trust (now MPA) and berths concerned for initiating preparation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) based on the insights provided.
“The MPA has submitted its EMP to the Board,” he said.
In addition to these measures, Sawant said the GSPCB is continuing ambient air quality monitoring in the port town and surrounding areas to track pollution levels.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the ongoing health study by ICMR-NIOH aims to scientifically assess the long-term impact of port-related activities on local communities, and said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings once the study is completed.
