VASCO
Slamming the MPT workers' union for threatening an agitation if coal cargo was reduced at the port, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Thursday said the entire state should not be made to face the brunt of pollution to safeguard the salaries of MPT employees.
Speaking to reporters, NCP State President Jose Philip D'Souza demanded that only green and non-polluting cargo should be handled at the MPT.
"We are tired of pollution caused by coal and other hazardous cargo, which even pollute the roads. The situation is such that polluting cargo is handled on berths close to the fishing jetty, causing inconvenience to people and the fishing community,” said D'Souza.
"Should all Vascokars and all Goans die of pollution because MPT employees want to safeguard their jobs? This is no justification for allowing coal handling at MPT and the entire Goa is agitating against the coal and other hazardous cargo.”
“The MPT must come with some plans to handle cargo without causing pollution to Vasco and the State. We need a permanent solution and we will not fall prey to tactics like covering of coal cargo and the sprinkling of water.”
“While the MPT is earning revenue from coal handling and employees are getting their salaries, the common man is forced to face such huge pollution," said D'Souza.
The NCP state president said the State government must get the MPT to handle green cargo and warned that if people lose their patience, there could be a mass agitation and things could get out of control.
NCP Minority Chairman Nazir Khan said the BJP legislators had failed to protect the health of the people.
"Vasco has a large population of people suffering from asthma and other ailments. We can't expect people to suffer merely to feed MPT employees. The port must get other cargo like wheat, sugar, containers, and we will not object to these cargos.”
“Vascokars are tired of the pollution and will be forced to come on the roads and block vehicles carrying hazardous cargo to and from the port,” added Khan.
