The unfortunate outbreak of Covid-19 which has gripped Goa to a great extent has opened our eyes to the dangers of infection of the upper respiratory tract and the lungs. This pandemic seems to remind Goans that at all costs respiratory illness should be eradicated in Goa.
It is thus pertinent to note that Covid-19 has served as a warning to Goans to convince the Cenre and the state government of the evils of coal handling and transportation in the State which has already caused great distress to the people of the port city of Vasco with PM2.5 pollution.
Goans should stand united in opposing all designs of the government to impose coal handling and transportation through Goa. All along the coal transportation roads and highways, particulat matter and coal dust will form a layer on the leaves of trees thus preventing photosynthesis and the rejuvenation of the air with fresh oxygen.
Let this be a clarion call to all Goans to oppose and resist by all means use of Goa as a corridor for coal tranportation which will be highly detrimental to a small stater like Goa.
Coal is a third world fuel. The proliferation of coal will affect Goans severely with respiratory diseases and as well as other toxicity of coal dust. In fact, phasing out of coal handling from MPT should be immediately begun.
ELVIDIO MIRANDA, via email
