VASCO
A video filmed by an activist on a canoe capturing the unloading of coal from a ship at a berth allotted to a private operator in Mormugao Port Trust on World Environment Day went viral on social media and caused a furore in the port town.
After the activity was captured on video, an NGO Concerned Citizens of Vasco (CCOV) and members of Goa against Coal (GAC) complained to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) alleging gross violation of ‘Consent to Operate’ by the private operator.
Acting on the complaint, officials of GSPCB went to the Mormugao port and inspected the site on Wednesday afternoon.
In its complaint to GSPCB, the CCOV alleged that residents in and around Vasco have been bearing the brunt of coal pollution from Mormugao port for several years.
The CCOV alleged that in gross violation of the Consent to Operate granted by the board to the private operator, coal was being loaded in the open on barges while the private operator should have been clearing cargo through shore cranes in the mechanical handling plant.
CCOV also mentioned that the vessel moored at the berth has a floating transshipper alongside that is unloading the coal/cargo directly onto inland barges with the help of grab cranes.
This activity has been causing severe coal dust pollution for the residents of Vasco, since coal is being handled in an open and primitive manner, coupled with strong wind blowing into the city from north/west direction, alleged CCOV.
Enclosing photos and video recordings, CCOV appealed to GSPCB to enquire into the matter and to cancel/withdraw the consent to the private operator on account of violations of ‘Consent to Operate’.
“It is ironical that gross environmental violation is happening on World Environment Day. Operations for handling coal were stopped by GSPCB as it was causing pollution, but today the same operations are being carried out,” said activist Vikram Sarmalkar, who captured the video.
GAC Convenor Custodio D’Souza said they were grateful that GSPCB officials arrived and immediately stopped the work.
“The GSPCB has proved that they can take action in a day’s time,” said D’Souza.
