VASCO: Endorsing the statement of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that pollution is not an issue in Vasco at present, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida on Friday said that in the last three months ambient air quality readings presented by Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) show there is decrease in pollution.
“MPT has taken measures to reduce pollution and this can be proved by the fact that the last three months readings shows that there is decrease in pollution level. Another step that MPT has taken is they have provided a sweeping machine,” Almeida said.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a function where MPT agreed to share its sweeping machine with Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC). The machine will work in the port during the day and at night would be used to clean Vasco’s roads.
He added, “Through social media there is hue and cry about pollution. These readings have come out and MPT have also put some pollution monitoring machines in Vasco,” he said.
Commenting about mitigation measures taken by port authorities, MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar said, “The sweeping machine is an initiative to mitigate the dust created due to operations of Mormugao Port. Various measures we have taken, we have appointed consultants, similarly mist cannons are working inside the port. Even the past three months readings are within the standard prescribed by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).”
He added, “Scientifically we are analysing and we will take all possible efforts to see that pollution is within the prescribed limit. Our endeavor is that port and the city should live together and should understand each other,” he said.
Giving examples of Europe and Rotterdam, Jeyakumar said, “Coal can be handled in very scientific manner, like in Europe or in Rotterdam. I understand that in the summer for few days there may be increase in pollution due to wind velocity therefore I not denying the facts but even that we are now targeting to reduce.”
