VASCO
The fishing association and staff of a stevedore clashed over handling potash cargo at the MPT storage plot near the Kharewado jetty on Friday afternoon, prompting the MPT to rush to the site and stop the transfer of potash cargo by trucks at the plot.
According to sources, labourers and staff on fishing trawlers had been complaining for many days about white powder flying in the air and causing them throat irritation.
Trouble broke out on Friday afternoon when the white powder began to fly due to strong winds and mix with the food of the labourers on fishing boats at the jetty.
The labourers complained to the boat owners who, in turn, confronted those engaged in handling the potash in the nearby compound and requested them to stop work as the cargo was blowing away due to strong winds.
A heated argument broke out between the boat owners and labourers engaged by the Stevedore, as the labourers refused to stop loading of cargo in trucks till they received orders from higher ups.
News of the confrontation spread quickly and MPT officials rushed to the site along with CISF personnel in a bid to ease the tension and intervene in the matter. Tensions cooled down when MPT stopped the transfer of cargo in trucks.
Speaking to media persons, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association Secretary Simon Pereira said the cargo handled at the Kharewado plot had caused severe pollution.
“The powder has now reached the city and is causing health hazards to people at the jetty as well. We never had issues when they were storing containers and granites at this plot, but this cargo is not tolerable.”
“We will not allow this cargo here any more and if the cargo is not moved from here, we will plan our next course of action and it will not be good for MPT,” warned Pereira.
Cargo storage a temporary arrangement: MPT official
