the goan I network
VASCO
Agreeing with public concerns that coal handling at the port caused pollution, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik on Saturday made it clear that he would would stop coal handling operations if it led to pollution in the port town.
“As minister in my previous term, I had been active in carrying out inspection and found that there was pollution to a certain extent. I agree with the people of Goa who had claimed that the coal handling at the port had caused pollution,” said Naik, while addressing a news conference.
“I am of the firm belief we are all okay with any company in the port immaterial of their business and cargo handled as long as there is no pollution, as some people in the constituency are also employed with these companies and some are engaged as service providers.”
“I am not against anyone’s business. However if coal cargo causes pollution, I will stop coal handling operations immediately,” said Naik.
Naik also questioned the Goa State Pollution Control board (GSPCB) for allowing Jindal South West (JSW) to begin operations again by giving them the consent to handle coal up to 4 lakh metric tonnes.
“For the last many years, the JSW has been handling excessive coal, way more than what was allowed in the consent. But suddenly, the GSPCB has given them consent and I wonder what has caused this change.”
“GSPCB claims that they want to check and test and hence have given them consent to handle a small quantity of cargo, but surprisingly the quantity allowed to handle is the same as the previous consent, which they had of 4 lakh metric tonnes and this will definitely cause pollution,” Naik added.
