the goan I network
VASCO
A Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) team on Tuesday visited the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) and inspected the bauxite cargo at Berth 10.
According to sources, the GSPCB officials inspected the cargo following concerns raised over the handling of bauxite cargo at berth 10, in close proximity to the city.
The NGO ‘Goa First’ had subsequently filed a complaint with the GSPCB demanding that the bauxite cargo be handled at the outer anchorage to avoid the possibility of dust pollution.
“The ‘Goa First’ had raised concerns over bauxite cargo being handled at berth 10 and complained to GSPCB that several labourers on board fishing trawlers were confronted with dust falling on their food packets,” said the GSPCB source.
“Goa First convenor Parshuram Sonurlekar had also requested us to conduct an inspection and had also demanded that such cargo be handled at the outer anchorage. Accordingly, we have visited the port to inspect the site,” the source added.
Sources at MPT informed that the inspection lasted for some time, with GSPCB officials offering suggestions on safety and precautionary measures to be adopted while handling bauxite cargo in the port.
When contacted, Sonurlekar expressed happiness over the GSPCB inspection at the port.
“I have been informed that the GSPCB has taken serious note of my complaint and inspected the site. I hope they agree on my demand to handle such cargo at the outer anchorage,” said Sonurlekar.
It may be recalled that several activists and NGOs had voice concern over bauxite cargo operations at berth 10, but the MPT had insisted that bauxite cargo could not cause dust pollution. The MPT had also maintained that since bauxite was heavier then air, there was no scope of the cargo spreading to other areas in the city.
