the goan I network
VASCO
Several people have complained about coal dust blowing into their homes in several parts of the port town.
Social media was abuzz with posts and videos of coal powder in homes around the Jetty and Sada, with one photo even reportedly showing a toddler with blackened feet, though the photo could not be authenticated.
Other photos of dust in utensils, food and furniture were also shared online, while some activists even shot a video of coal dust flying in the air in Sada and other areas. They have accused coal handling companies operating at the port of failing to take due precautions while handling coal cargo.
Said a resident of Sada, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he is a port worker: “We face this issue everyday but we are helpless and we cannot shift elsewhere. This is our permanent address and while for some, a sea-facing house is a dream, for us it is a nightmare in Sada.”
“One finger in my baby’s nostrils every ten minutes with a white handkerchief shows how much fine coal she is breathing. Authorities are doing in the matter,” said the resident.
Environment activist Adv. Savio Corriea said fine coal dust is covering Vasco area and travelling several kilometres beyond.
“I am experiencing it in my own house. We have been protesting about it for last several years, but to no avail. Authorities concerned, particularly the GSPCB, have failed us. No medicine on earth can remove the pollutant that has settled in our children’s lungs,” said Corriea.
Convenor of NGO ‘Goa First’ Parshuram Sonurlekar said he had filed complaints regarding pollution in the port town with almost all authorities. “For last 15 days, this has been going on and there is no monitoring by the pollution control board whatsoever. Protest against coal needs support of the locals, but no one comes ahead,” said Sonurlekar.
VIRAL ON
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media was abuzz with posts and videos of coal powder in homes around the Jetty and Sada, with one photo even reportedly showing a toddler with blackened feet, though the photo could not be authenticated
Other photos of dust in utensils, food and furniture were also shared online, while some activists even shot a video of coal dust flying in the air in Sada and other areas
Coal handling companies operating at the port accused of failing to take due precautions while handling coal cargo
