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VASCO
At a time of growing concern over coal dust pollution in the port town, the Goa Port and Dock Employees Union (GPDEU) has now demanded the resumption of coal handling in the port amid fears that moves to stop coal handling activity could threaten the livelihood of thousands in the port.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, the GPDEU insisted that banning of coal operations at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) is not the solution to pollution in Vasco.
GPDEU President Augusto D’Costa said the livelihood of employees, workers, pensioners and their dependents have been threatened by the decision of GSPCB.
“Stoppage of coal handling operations has led to a loss of about Rs 100 crore during 2018-19. Thus, suspension of coal handling activities will adversely affect payment of wages to employees and pension to pensioners.”
“The Port has around 1,650 employees and 4,350 pensioners, which including family members would be about 15,000 dependents. The total financial implication towards salaries, pension and medical benefit to the workers is to the tune of Rs 300 crore per annum,” said D’Costa.
D’Costa said there are about 5,000 workers/employees depending on coal handling units and they have been under intense fear of losing their employment and livelihood.
“Closure of coal handling activities will also affect the business community at large in Vasco area. This will lead to direct and indirect unemployment,” added D’Costa.
GPDEU General Secretary Laxmikant Gaude said they too were against the pollution, but said suspension of coal handling operation by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had brought major activity to a complete standstill in the port.
“On the pretext of coal dust pollution in Vasco and surrounding areas, the suspension of coal handling operations at MPT has led to an unpleasant situation among workers and pensioners of the port.”
“The MPT has been totally dependent on coal handling operations for revenue after the closure of mining in the State. The MPT’s precarious financial position has been further aggravated due to the GSPCB’s sudden and surprise decision to suspend coal handling operations of South West Port Ltd. (SWPL) and Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Pvt Ltd (AMPTPL) at MPT with immediate effect.”
Gaude claimed that with the sudden suspension of coal handling operations, major activities such as marine operations, railway operation, loading and unloading activities had stopped completely.
Single CTO is good for MPT: Trustee
VASCO: With berths already being allotted to coal handling units and Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) left with little power to control these units, MPT Trustee Laxmikant Gaude has said a single Consent To Operate (CTO) for the entire port is the best bet.
“MPT has applied for a single CTO and if this is granted, the MPT can handle issues at its own end. The MPT has 11 berths and activities are also taking place at Mooring Dolphins, inner and outer anchorage as well.”
“Once we get a single CTO, the MPT will have the liberty to decide the type and quantity of cargo to be handled by an operator. At present, we have no authority on coal handling units and if MPT has to control these units, it is very important that MPT gets a single CTO.”
“In turn, the MPT has also assured it will be responsible to take any mitigation measures as stipulated by GSPCB,” said Gaude.
Insisting that the port is also against pollution, Gaude said MPT has been getting income from such cargo to pay their staff, employees and pensioners.
“The Board of Trustees has already met to decide on measures to control pollution, from short term to long term. We can immediately pursue this and if GSPCB permits and gives us a time-frame, we will build pressure and get these measures implemented.”
“GSPCB must grant the consent and give the MPT some time to implement strict pollution control measures and if the units still don’t comply, they can go ahead with their decision,” said Gaude.
...Says MPT
targetted by vested interests
VASCO: Stating that MPT was being targeted for vested interests, the Goa Port and Dock Employee Union (GPADEU) feared that the coal pollution issue could be part of a political agenda.
“There is a possibility that MPT is being targeted because every single cargo is being opposed and we cannot think of anything as of now.”
“On Tuesday, there was an uproar over livestock exports and MPT could have lost a potential business opportunity that could have been a regular affair.”
“There could be a vested interest and we have tried several alternate cargos,” said GPDEU President Augusto D’Costa.
GPDEU General Secretary Laxmikant Gaude also suspected the involvement of politics in the coal pollution issue. “Political parties are trying to seek a change of leadership in the State government and Lok Sabha elections are also fast approaching. They can also take coal as an agenda to fight elections,” said Gaude.
