the goan I network
PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that there would be no expansion in Mormugao Port Trust's (MPT) coal handling activities till pollution was brought under control. Responding to a question on the floor of the House, Parrikar also informed that the existing coal handling capacity of MPT had reduced by 25 per cent, according to a study of the ambient air quality conducted by the Goa State Pollution
Control Board.
Replying to a question tabled by Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Parrikar stated, "In June, the existing capacity of the coal handling berths at MPT has been reduced by 25 per cent and we have initiated the process to prosecute those who have violated the pollution limits so far. The companies have also been told to stop the import of powdered material."
He informed the House that the decision was based on the final report of ambient air quality at Vasco city conducted by GSPCB. GSPCB monitored the ambient air quality in and around the MPT port from February till May this year through 12 units. The AAQM study in MPT indicated that certain berth operators were exceeding limits for a maximum period of time.
The Particulate Matter-10 was found to be high around Khariwada area. "Mild pollution was detected at Khariwada and elsewhere, it was minor. That said, I want to assure the people that we will not tolerate pollution. We will ensure that import does not pollute the town.
"The Consent to Operate was granted with 25 per cent reduction in capacity as a counter measure. The ambient air quality will be monitored again between October and December to check sustainability of the reduced capacity levels," the CM said.
It was further revealed that the GSPCB has initiated the process for conducting Source Apportionment Study through IIT, Bombay to study dust generation in the vicinity.
"Further call will be taken after the source study in October," CM said.
