the goan I network
VASCO
Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) and Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) came under sharp attack from activists and political leaders after Goa state Pollution Control board (GSPCB) annual report 2017-18 declaring Vasco as the most polluted city in Goa and MPT as the most polluted establishment, on World Environment Day.
Speaking to media, ex-revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza said MMC, MPT and the govt along with GSPCB were responsible for Vasco being declared as the most polluted city.
“If today Vascokars are suffering and Vasco is most polluted then it is definitely MPT, MMC, GSPCB and the present govt that is responsible. The MMC has been continuously fooling the people over pollution and has taken many resolutions saying that they will come on roads against pollution. When will they come on roads? Why are they silent?”, he asked.
Speaking further, D’Souza said “MMC is a part of this and have allowed pollution to happen by being a silent witness. GSPCB is only presenting reports but not acting on the culprits and violators. Like a toothless tiger, it has not been instrumental in stopping activities causing Pollution”.
Another Vasco based social activist Vikram Sarmalkar said the administration had failed miserably to curb pollution in Vasco and blamed coal handling in the port as a major cause of pollution.
“It was GSPCB who had earlier claimed that all the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are well within permissible limits and it is their annual report that contradicts their earlier limits and declares Vasco as most polluted city. Till the time coal handling is not stopped, Vasco will continue to remain most polluted city. I request Govt to stop coal handling at the port and allow Vascokars an opportunity to breathe clean air and live a healthy life”, said Sarmalkar.
Meanwhile, General Secretary, Goencho Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), Olencio Simoes said tourism in the State would suffer if pollution continued to rise in Goa.
“Last assembly, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had said that all levels were within the permissible limits but GSPCB report says its double the permissible limits. Goa, a clean and green state and a tourism hub will slowly face the brunt of the increased pollution. We will have to be known as Polluted Goa and what actions are GSPCB and Goa Govt taking on this reports? Are they wanting to take pollution to ten times the permissible limits or are we going to be like Delhi which is one of the most polluted city. We request Govt to take action on all companies and institutions causing pollution with immediate effect”, said Simoes.
