Vasco’s patience with coal seems to be fast running out. OnSunday last, a public hearing hosted by Goa State Pollution Control Board forMormugao Port Trust’s ambitious 7.2 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum West of Breakwater (WOB) project turnedinto an embarrassment both for MPT and GSPCB. In no mood to listen, thecitizens of Vasco turned the hearing into a mandate for a full throated protestagainst coal pollution on Berth Nos 10 and 11.
“We are discussing about the future of the Port when thepresent itself is threatened by total disregard towards people living in Vascoand surrounding areas,” said former Mormugao Municipal Council ChairpersonMilton Baretto questioning the very reason for holding the hearing. Vasco hasbeen under the grip of coal pollution for almost a decade now and allassurances from legal to political seem to be running thin.
The first of its kind public hearing of any kind by GSPCBended up raising more questions than desired. “Why are pollution levels stillas high despite the MPT pledging in the High Court that it will containpollution? What this city needs is complete freedom from coal and nothing shortof it,” warned Bharat Kamat, consulting engineer based in Vasco. Bharat and hiswife Jennifer re-whipped passions against the incessant delays and lack ofcommitment of MPT and GSPCB to pollution in Vasco. Their mode, the Facebookwhere they kept the interest in the cause alive. “Wow, what a turnout!!!! Neverseen so much action before. Really proud of the Vascokars. So many known faces.So many who understood the gravity of the situation!!! A Sunday morning wellspent” posted a visibly excited Jennifer whose entry marked the entry of thewhite collared brigade in Vasco’s fight against coal pollution.
No story on coal in Vasco is complete without the presenceof Simon Pereira, President, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association. “Why is theMPT Chairman not present when he should be hearing our grievances first hand?”asked Simon. His voice found a lot of support as none of the top officialseither MPT Chairman P Mara Pandiyan or GSPCB Member Secretary Levinson Martinswere present for the hearing. Even Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida was absent.
The Meeting was called off on technical grounds as TheGSPCB, which had called the meeting, had failed to provide the necessary 30-daynotice period and published a newspaper advertisement only around 15 days ago.
