the goan I network
PANAJI
In light of the excessive coal dust pollution in the Port Town over 12 days before activity was suspended, around 30 residents from Vasco along with other concerned individuals on Monday met Dr Sharmila Monteiro, Member Secretary of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to demand that coal handling at the Port be stopped permanently, in the absence of pollution control measures.
The residents’ demand, which they made through a written petition to Ganesh Shetgaonkar, Chairman of the GSPCB, is that they be present for the hearing on February 21, which will decide the fate of the coal trade at the Port.
Addressing the press, residents condemned the excessive coal pollution in the areas surrounding the Port over at least 12 days, showing pictures of the thick layers of coal dust that have settled in their houses. Sanjay Redkar, a resident, said the dust affected children the worst, so much so that they had to change their schools, if their schools were situated near the Mormugao Port.
“Children have perpetual and consistent coughs and colds because of the pollution. We have the right to clean air, and the government must protect this right and not pander to the wishes of the coal lobby,” said Redkar.
Tania Devaiah, another resident, spoke of the coal handlers consistently violating guidelines. She expressed that even when there was no visible evidence of coal dust pollution, residents were breathing in the coal dust, and that this had been going on for the past 20 years. “In the past 12 days, the pollution was four times above the permissible limit. There were strong winds, and the handlers did not follow the guidelines,” said Devaiah, who along with the other residents strongly condemned the GSPCB for taking so many days to suspend coal handling. “If the GSPCB is a 24x7 monitoring committee, why should citizens bring the pollution to their notice?” she asked.
Meanwhile, Claude Alvares, whose PIL in this regard in due for hearing in the HC, condemned coal handlers Adani MPTL and South West Port Limited for their flippant attitude towards residents, and has insisted the GSPCB give a “cast-iron guarantee that under no circumstances will coal handling lead to pollution,” if at all it were to continue. Coal handling is reported to be carried out 50 meters away from the nearest residents.
