THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
Appealing to the government to grant consent to coal handling units at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), the Mormugao Port Railway workers Union (MPRWU) on Friday implored NGOs not to come in the way of the livelihood of thousands of employees and retired pensioners.
MPRWU employees warned that if coal handling was stopped because of pressure from NGOs, they would come on the roads in agitation.
Addressing a news conference, MPRWU President Leonard Rodrigues said coal had been the second highest commodity handled in the port after iron ore was banned by the Supreme Court.
"MPT would handle the highest quantity (50%) of iron ore exports in the country, but after the mining ban, MPT looked upon coal as a cargo and two designated berths with proper scientific measures for curbing pollution were created specifically for coal.”
“Today, we cannot survive without coal handling cargo. Coal handling is carried out with all requisite precautions and coal is loaded in a mechanised form. There may be lapses because of the wind conditions and berth operators are willing to take further precautionary measures by investing in a Rs 100 crore dome like facility, provided they are given the consent to operate," said Rodrigues.
Another member, Jude D'Costa said the NGOs have been urged to consider the livelihood of around 1,600 employees and 4,500 pensioners scattered across Goa.
“We will be compelled to come on the roads if the coal handling is stopped and our livelihood is affected. I request the GSPCB to renew the consent for coal handling units and also enhance the capacity of coal handling units," D'Costa said.
“We have also met Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Urban Development Minister Milind Naik in this connection,” he added.
