the goan I network
VASCO
While the Vasco-based group Goa Against Coal said the coal dust was evidence that coal handling agencies had failed to take adequate measures, the MPT chairman assured to send a team to inspect the coal stacks and to initiate immediate measures to avoid coal dust due to strong monsoon winds.
“The creation of coal dust proves the negligence of coal handling agencies at the port. During the ten-day public hearing, all speakers had strongly objected to coal handling activity at the port and its effects on the health of citizens,” said Edwin Mascarenhas of GAC.
“Despite providing evidence of coal dust generated at the port, the officials of coal handling agencies denied any such pollution at the port,”
he added.
Another Goa Against Coal member, Gracious Coutinho, said the strong winds on Tuesday evening had led to coal dust being spread across houses at Kharewaddo and Non-Mon.
“The very fact that coal dust is blowing towards the city is evidence enough that coal handling agencies at the port have failed to follow guidelines of the Goa State Pollution Control Board further,” said Coutinho.
“We appeal to the GSPCB to take action against the coal handling agencies who have taken GSPCB guidelines lightly and have violated norms laid down by the Ministry of Environment.”
When contacted, MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar said he would send a team to inspect the coal stacks at the port.
“If there are any lapses by coal handling agencies, I will direct them to cover the coal stacks properly to avoid any coal dust pollution due to strong monsoon winds,”
said Jayakumar.
