Three MLAs criticised for remaining absent
the goan I network
VASCO
The two public hearings on the deepening of approach channel and inner basin for cape-sized vessels as well as on work to re-develop Berths 8, 9 and barge berths for multi-cargo activity could not conclude till 10 pm on Saturday and will continue on May 2.
“It’s the last chance for Goans to save the environment for our future generation and if we do not succeed now, then everything will be lost,” said Ramesh Naik
of Baina.
“Our elected representatives, whom we elected for the betterment of our State, were not to be seen for the four days of public hearing, except for Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha and Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Alexio Lourenco.”
“Were the elected representatives from Mormugao taluka representing us or some other agencies,” wondered Naik.
Rosario Mascarenhas said the public hearing is backed by the Central government policy framed in 2011 stating that India would divest from coal and with immediate effect.
“As per this policy, no coal handling would be allowed in city zones. However, MPT is trying to make Vasco city a coal hub by violating the Central government policy,”
he said.
“According to Central government environment directives, the danger zone radius for any coal hub is a 10-km aerial distance and if one goes by these directives, Agassaim, Siridao, Santa Cruz and
Taleigao also fall within the 10-km aerial radius of the danger zone.”
“We urge residents of not only Agassaim, Siridao, Santa Cruz and Taleigao to attend the hearing on Tuesday in large numbers, but we also request residents of Chicalim, Dabolim, Bogmalo, Cansaulim, Sancoale and Velsao-Pale to attend the hearing and object to MPT’s plans for posterity,” appealed Mascarenhas.
Stating that coal dust pollution had exceeded all limits, Paresh Shirodkar from Vaddem said: “I have some friends staying at Headland Sada and suffering from asthma. The doctors have given the cause as coal dust pollution, which is in close
proximity to residents of Headland Sada.”
While the two public hearings will continue on Tuesday, the first public hearing for the proposed expansion of Berths 5A and 6A at the Tilak Maidan concluded on Saturday, with the minutes being read out to the people.
While the people have vociferously opposed all three projects of the MPT, they also reacted strongly to MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar’s statements that many people from outside Vasco not connected to coal handling operations at the port were taking centrestage and forcefully demanding
stoppage of cargo handling activity.
In a related development, the NGO ‘Goa against Coal’ has criticised Goa Forward for its comments on the coal handling at Vasco.
‘Goa against Coal’ Convenor Custodio Dsouza stated that Goa Forward had displayed its ignorance regarding the policies of the country, how electricity is generated in the country or why coal is considered dirty cargo by the government itself.
