VASCO: Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) chairman I Jeyakumar has clarified that coal pollution is under control after the port trust implemented mitigation measures to control the same.
Jeyakumar was reacting Forest and Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar’s statement in Assembly over coal pollution in Vasco and that he (the minister) would withdraw the consent to operate under Air and Water Act granted to Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Private Limited (berth No 7) and South West Port Limited – Jindal (berth No 5 and 6).
Jeyakumar claimed that the order of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to reduce the coal handling capacity by 25 percent is unjust as the same would lead to loss for MPT and thus very soon the port trust would question the GSPCB to review its decision. “The order was issued on the basis on readings which the GSPCB had compared on the basis of source reading and thus we have questioned the GSPCB, asking them to clarify on this. The way readings were collected was incorrect, as opined by environmental experts. Thus, we would soon request the GSPCB to review its decision. We are questioning the base and merits of such 25 percent cut and we have a merit,” Jeyakumar said.
He further said, “Apart from monitoring the pollution, we have also implemented mitigation measures. Recently, we have proposed to GSCPB to install monitoring equipment at 12 different locations of which 9 will be of source and 3 will be ambience. We have already started the process of procuring the monitoring device, which would be installed at locations confirmed by the board. We have internally told both the terminals which presently have mechanical handling to take utmost mitigation measures while handling coal like covering of dumps, spraying of waters etc which they are complying with. Even for road transportation, we have automated washing of truck tyres before moving out of the port besides other measures to be taken while transporting coal”.
Jeyakumar further said, “In my opinion, as of now, the pollution is already under control, anybody can talk emotionally without details. Any cut in handling is loss to the port thus, by November; MPT will come before the Press, giving all details about action taken, readings and measures taken by us to cut down pollution.
Similarly, the officials of coal handling units including Adani and JSW too claimed that they have taken enough measures to ensure that the coal pollution has reduced. Adani as well as JSW officials claimed that their unit is fully mechanized, and other measures asked by the GSPB have been complied with.
