PANAJI
Amid growing debate over coal transportation and subsequent pollution due to coal in Vasco, we go back to 2019, when Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in its Source Apportionment Study had ruled out coal as only source of pollution -- the findings that helped resume coal handling in port town once again after a year-long halt.
According to the study, it was not just the coal or contribution from the port area that is leading to pollution but a possible mixture of other local sources. It had even noted that the pollution level of Vasco is “similar” or “many times better” than other towns of Goa.
Following concern raised by the citizens with regards to coal pollution and after cargo handling units at MPT “ JSW and Adani “ were found to be involved in violations through excess handling of coal leading to serious air pollution, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), through IIT Bombay had initiated an air pollution source apportionment study in Vasco from November 2017, with a view to address primarily the issue of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in the ambient.
The study had identified seven locations for collection of samples “ MPT guest house, NCPOR Vasco, Vasco NAMP site, Baina residential location, Chafran residential colony, SMC hospital and Chicalim VP.
IIT-B attributed the cause of pollution in Vasco city to the burning of biomass material for water heating and cooking. The report also revealed that coal handling at MPT contributes less than 10 per cent of the total PM10/PM2.5 pollutants in the city of Vasco da Gama.
The study mentions that while the annual averaged windrose shows that the predominant wind direction is towards the shore from the sea, the seasonal patterns show that during October to December the predominant wind direction is from the shore towards the sea. “As per the AERMOD dispersion isopleths, as expected, the strength of the source progressively reduces with distance from the port towards the Vasco area,” it said.
“Moreover, the study found that pollution levels in Vasco city, are similar or many times better than those in other cities of Goa, with the PM levels much below the recommended levels,” it added further.
Before this, the Board in 2016 filed a criminal complaint against MPT and South West Port Ltd (SWPL) for handling coal in excess of consented capacity. However, the case failed to stand in the Courtroom and the High Court granted them relief on technical grounds in 2022.
During the recently concluded Assembly session, former Environment Minister Alexio Sequeira had said that the government is considering legal action against the coal handling firms. He had added that the relevant file has been sent to the Advocate General (AG) for his opinion.
“We are considering challenging the order in the Supreme Court. But two years have already been lapsed since HC passed its verdict,” he had said.
