TG: Is Goa CarbonLimited aware of the various lungs ailment’s caused to the locals?
Purushottam Mantri: I have no such information. It is forthe first time that I have come across anything like this. We have lots ofpeople from the surrounding area working forus.
TG: What precautions have Goa carbon taken towardscontrolling coke dust pollution at Sao Jose de areal?
Purushottam Mantri: - We are strictly following all theguidelines laid by the Goa State Pollution Control Board. There is no questionof us polluting in the port area as it is their responsibility. Duringtransportation, trucks should not carry coke covered with tarpaulin beyond acertain capacity. In the company godown, we have water sprinklers installed whichwork continuously. If there was pollution then the trees would have not beengreen like they are but would have been black. For monitoring air, water and other pollution levels we have installedother machines which are being monitored continuously by us. In fact, we haveappointed an external lab to conduct several tests suggested by the board.
TG: - Is it true that local who are employed with thecompany are sacked from their jobs if they protest against the coke dust?
Purushottam Mantri: It is completely wrong. In the history of Dempo Company we do not havethe philosophy of sacking any employee. Our chairman is completely democraticas he is available for any suggestion with an open door policy
TG: - What’s the company’s reply to GSPCB on the coke dustin the village?
Purushottam Mantri: In the month of June, they inspected and it was revealed that allstandards and norms were being followed by the company as laid by GSPCB. Wehave around 75- 80% of our employees from the same area. Since last 35 years weare working towards building the community.
TG: - Has Goa Carbon raised the height of its chimney whichis affecting surrounding area in the radius of 5 kms?
Purushottam Mantri: I don’t think. I am not sure. This plantwas constructed and commissioned in 1975- 77 which is more than 35years old.The plant is there and so are the people and it is contributing to thecommunity.
TG: - Locals have accused you of burying contaminatedcottons used for absorbing oil in the factory compound resulting in the watertable being contaminated, what do you have to say?
Purushottam Mantri: I’m not aware, it was some 7-8 years agowhen we received some complains. We suggested the appointment of a third partyto conduct an inspection and submit a report. If any contamination was detectedthen the company would take up the purification of the wells but the locals didnot come forward. Currently we are disposing off cotton under the norms givenby the board.
