MPA chairman criticised for no-pollution claims

VASCO

Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) Chairman A V Ramanna came in for severe criticism over his claims that there was no coal pollution at the port.
Ramanna had rejected allegations of coal pollution at the port and had said all equipment and measures are in place to contain pollution levels.
“There is no pollution at all in the Goa port and anyone is free to come and check. We have infrastructure of global standards with sprinkling being done. Pollution monitoring equipment is also in place that monitors pollution levels from time to time and we can see the readings as well,” said Ramanna, while speaking to the media.
Criticising the statements, Goencho Ekvott Founder Member Orville Dourado Rodrigues said the MPA’s statement is nothing but a cruel joke on residents not only of Vasco but on all residents of the coastal belt which is being devastated by the pollution caused by coal handling and transportation by rail, road and rivers.
“Goencho Ekvott wishes to make it clear to MPA that Goans will not bite your bait, and we will fight alongside affected residents who are only demanding their constitutional right to breathe fresh air,” said Rodrigues.
Vasco activist Parshuram Sonurlekar questioned the MPA chairman’s claim that there is no coal pollution due to MPA coal handling activity.
“There is not a single day in our house when coal particles are not present. Mopping of houses 3-4 times a day is compulsory in all houses at Jetty, Sada, Bogda and El Monte as these are the worst affected places,” said Sonurlekar.
“If the MPA chairperson talks of global standard he should visit developed nations such as Singapore and other places where coal is handled in systematic and scientific manner.”