GSPCB to check mining pollution at seven junctions
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, APRIL 14
The Goa State Pollution Control Board hopes to keep in check pollution caused by mining transportation at seven crucial junctions in the State, even as bitterly-complaining people from these places, appearing skeptical, expressed the measure would hardly help.
The seven locations – Curchorem Municipal area, Usgao-Pale junction, Codli Tisk, Honda junction, Bicholim town, Amona and Assonora junction – have been earmarked for setting up of ambient air quality check stations, besides the three existing ones in Panjim, Vasco city and Mormugao Harbour.
GSPCB officials informed tenders have been invited for setting up the stations and the last date for receiving the sealed quotations for the same was April 22. We aim to start work on these from May 1 onwards, they stated.
They observed the air quality at these locations will be monitored for 24 hours twice a week. It will help us assert whether the particular location or area recorded dust pollution levels and control the same by applying laid down measures, they mentioned.
The officials said presently GSPCB checked for suspended particulate matter (SPM), respirable particulate matter (RPM), oxides of nitrogen and sulphur dioxide. But as per revised notification we will also check for PM 10 (particles with size 10 micron) and PM 2.5, they stated.
The decision to set up the seven ambient air quality stations was taken after the GSPCB received many complaints from people residing in these seven locations where uncontrolled mining traffic has become a bone of contention.
Environmentalists and people affected by mining dust expressed their apprehensiveness over the measure stating the Central environment ministry’s clearance to 100 more mining leases would only aggravate the problem further.
