The Mormugao Port Authority chairman refuted claims of coal dust pollution. He boasts of global standard infrastructure and says they use sprinklers! Strangely only Goencho Ekvott and a Vasco Activist disputed his statement. Only sprinklers are a failure. They consume a lot a water. Sprinklers can be used only at 2 source points out of the 8 such points. At stockpiles, hoppers, conveyors, wagon loading etc. one has to compulsorily use a fog comprising pressurised droplets with 10 to 15 micron diameters. The chairman also said they are planning berths for container vessels and cruise terminals saying increase in material handling will give more jobs to locals. Locals are aware that the MPA does not conduct campus interviews nor employs locals. Even for promotions they transfer candidates from other ports. Many Goans have opted for VRS as the management was forcing them to favour certain crony businessmen. Coal dust upto 10 microns causes COPD similar to asbestosis and companies have been wiped out by litigation; MPA must keep this in mind.
