the goan I network
VASCO
Two organisations have filed objections with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for granting fresh consent to South West Port Limited (SWPL) to handle coal at MPT.
In their petitions, the Goa Against Coal (GAC) and Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owners Society have demanded the cancellation of the consent for coal cargo.
In the objection, GAC Convenor Custodio D’Souza said the GSPCB has itself confirmed that air pollution levels in and around MPT had exceeded the permissible limits.
The GAC also said that as per GSPCB’s submission in NGT in response to SWPL petition to issue consent, SWPL did not have a valid environment clearance and the EC was issued in the name of ABG ports in 2001 under EIA notification 1994 which had a validity of five years as per Supreme Court directions.
The GAC also claimed that GSPCB had filed a criminal case against SWPL in the court of First Class Magistrate in Vasco for violating its previous consent.
Since the case is ongoing, the GAC said it was shocking that GSPCB did not see conflict of interest in issuing a fresh consent, it stated.
It informed that there are people residing within 100 metres of coal loading silos and also educational institutions, religious structures and protected monument within 500 metres.
The GAC also informed the Board that they are willing to take any action to ensure that coal handling at Berths 5A and 6A does not resume.
Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owners Society also submitted a petition claiming that the fishing community in Mormugao were also opposed to the fresh issued to SWPL and demanded ts cancellation.
