SATURDAY, MAY 04, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Department of Environment and Climate Change has directed Goa State Pollution Control Board to conduct detail inspection into the alleged unsafe handling of ammonia at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
The directions have been issued based on a complaint filed by a resident of Headland Sada-Vasco Hanuman Devalaya, who has alleged violations and illegalities in handling the dangerous ammonia at MPT in absence of mandatory documents and inspections.
Director Environment Johnson Fernandes in a letter to Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) Member Secretary Dr Shamila Monteiro has asked to examine the issue and take necessary action as per relevant Section of the Acts. Also, the Action Taken Report (ATR) must be submitted in the matter.
Sources informed that the complainant has alleged that the handling of ammonia at MPT is been done without required Consent to Operate from the GSPCB.
Also, the handling of ammonia is in very unsafe manner, leading to environmental pollution at MPT and surrounding areas.
GSPCB sources said that necessary site inspection will be conducted under Water, Air pollution Act and under Hazardous Act and if any violations, show cause notice will be served to those involved in handling.
