Clearing stock: Time runs out for MPT on Nov 5

The Goa State Pollution Control Board in an order on October20 had given MPT  a 15 days period toclear the existing coke stock to ensure that it did not get exposed to heat andlead to fire.

In its order the GSPCB had asked that the cargo bedispatched between 10.00 pm to 5.00 am, while few importers were asked todispatch their cargo only by railway.

Dispatching cargo by rail depends upon the availability ofrakes. For instance M/s Kirloskar were asked to remove met coke by rail but inthe last 11 days they have got only two wagon rakes.

Mormugao Port Users Association Director, Lawrence D’Souzainformed that GSPCB has asked J K Cement to remove its cargo by railway, whichis practically impossible as there is no railway connectivity to its factory.

Though, there are some factories in Karnataka that hasrailway connectivity but they are also waiting for availability of rail. 

“It is practically not possible to clear the entire cargowithin a short span of 15 days, as it requires minimum two-three months toclear the entire stock,” D’Souza said.

GSPCB Member Secretary Levinson Martins defended the 15 daysperiod given to clear the stock.

“We have conducted a technical examination and after hearingall the five parties the order was issued for clearing of coal,” Martins said.

He said that as of now the order to clear the cargo by Nov 5stands and there are no changes in it.

Since MPT had pleaded that existing cargo has to be clearedto ensure that it doesn’t catch fire, GSPCB had given a relaxation of 15 days.

The GSPCB member secretary said that as of now he doesn’twant to comment on future possibility of whether the order would extended ornot.

“If MPT approaches the board, the board may re-examine itand decide whether to extend the period or not,” Martins said.