PANAJI
Public anger continued to simmer over the Union Environment Ministry’s decision to grant Environmental Clearance (EC) to the South West Port Ltd (SWPL) to enhance the capacity to handle coal at Berths 5A and 6A at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
Speaking to The Goan, many were upset that despite vociferous objections to handling of coal cargo in the Mormugao Port, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has accorded EC to SWPL for its proposed terminal capacity enhancement at the two berths at Mormugao Port.
“All this while, the government was saying that the double tracking is not for increased coal handling. But now the truth is come out. Now the MoEF&CC has confirmed the double tracking is not only to handle coal but to more the double the coal handling and transportation,” claimed a social activist Anthony D’Silva.
Chicalim Biodiversity Management Committee Chairman Rui Costa Araujo feared that any enhancement in coal cargo would affect tourism and Goa would be considered as a highly polluted State.
“Generally, such vast handling of coal is dangerous for us and moreover, most of the cargo may not be for Goa. If the government places highly qualified technical persons to check on the latest available technology to control and limit the pollution, then it may be worth it but only if that sort of infrastructure is in place,” said Araujo.
Sabira B Shaik, a student of Chowgule College, said the negativity continues in the State because of some false promises by the government.
“Requests and demands of youth are wasted like nothing by the government. The natural greenery is getting lost in decisions of government by making our Goa a coal hub and making eco-foe decisions.”
Added Ana Smriti Paes, a student at GMC: “Not happy, but honestly, not even surprised. The way our government just blindly eats whatever the Centre serves is ridiculous. Sagarmala, Mopa, IIT, Mhadei diversion and now this EC for coal handling enhancement at Goa’s only port. At this rate, we will remain just the smallest state, easily disposable.”
Shivonne Lodovica Dourado Rodrigues, a student at Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law, feared that coal particulates from coal transported will lead to air pollution leading to major ailments like cancer and tuberculosis. “As a Goan, this is frustrating and saddening that the permission for this expansion is given. The double-tracking will destroy Goa and take away her identity. This railway corridor will cut through our precious farmlands, wetlands, heritage sites, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks,” said Shivonne.
Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) General Secretary Olencio Simoes stated that the Berths 5A and 6A have been granted EC after 6 years from the date of public hearing is itself a fraud and against the law.
