NAVIN JHA
navin@herald-goa.com
Coal dust pollution in Vasco has always remained as one the key poll promises for the political leaders in Vasco. During every election the leaders have assured the citizens that after getting elected they would make Vasco coal dust free, but none of them could resolve the issue completely.
Even during the last five years, coal pollution remained as main issue for the citizens as they want to live a pollution free life. The only thing that have changed in last five years is that the Mormugao Municipal Council took a bold decision and resolved to stop coal transportation and and come out on streets if required.
Though MMC took such a decision several months ago, the implementation got delayed as the file seeking banning coal transportation is yet to be approved by the concerned south Goa Administrative authority.
According to citizens of Vasco, stoppage of coal transportation is something which needs strong political will and collective efforts of administrative authorities. “If government can allow coal operations at MPT then they have all the powers to stop the same. There is no doubt that coal pollution has been posing high risk to life of citizens and there is need to curb the menace on priority. So far the government is only busy in taking meetings only to see how operations can continue by creating less coal pollution and how this issue can prolong till the next elections” said Nevil Manerkar, a Vasco resident.
Vasco based environmentalist, Advocate Savio Corriea said that he has approached the local Municipality and told them to adopt a resolution to stop coal transportation but ultimately as a citizen I am looking for results and actual coal pollution coming down in Vasco. Though I give credit to Almeida for doing something, however I also want to know as to how much impact has on actual position” he said
Corriea further said that “there were lots of promises made by Pollution Control Board and by environment ministers, both Alina Saldanha as well as Rajendra Arlekar, but on the ground nothing seems to be changed. Again now the politicians have been making coal pollution a poll issue. people who slept for last five years, suddenly they have come up and they now want to go on hunger strike etc, which is actually an attempt of making a mockery of people of Vasco” he told.
Again the issue of coal pollution has taken a front seat, with politicians making assurances to make Vasco coal dust free. Some leaders even claimed that they would not even hesitate to take law in their hands.
The forthcoming assembly election which is slated on February 4 will be fought by the aspiring candidates on coal dust pollution issue. Speaking to some of the aspirants, they have started projecting the twin constituencies of Vasco and Mormugao are grasped and badly hit by the coal dust pollution. For residents of Vasco and Mormugao who are aware of coal dust pollution this issue can be a likely tipping point. But delivering on the promise of ending the menace is critical and hence those making promises will have to give a convincing pitch about delivery
There is indeed a need of building a strong opinion against the coal dust pollution irrespective of political parties. The issue can be resolved only if all the political parties or the leaders come together and give their consensus in wiping out the problem.
The people of Vasco have been taken for a ride by political leaders, but this time the people have decided not to fall prey of false promises and elect a candidate who can really fight for their cause.
