Team Herald
PONDA: The spillage of coal along the Bethora-Borim bypass has turned into a health hazard to the commuters and residents living around because of air pollution.
Expressing ire over the pollution, Shankar Pollje, a local, said the dust particles in the air are a health hazard.
According to Pollje, the coal is being transported from the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) through trucks towards Hospet, Karnataka without proper measures.
“Due to the negligence of the MPT authorities and the truck drivers, coal is being spilled on the road which causes air pollution. The coal being transported is not covered properly due to which the spillage occurs. The truck drivers also do not care if the coal (partially covered) falls from the truck,” said Pollje.
The concerned authorities, he said, “should check for the coal spillage and arrest the transporters for their negligence whilst transporting the coal since the polluted air can cause health hazard to those residing close to the bypass.”
“The NGOs are fighting against the coal pollution. However, the government and the Goa State Pollution Control Board have failed to control the pollution,” he said.
He felt that the State government should conduct a health study of people residing in Vasco and then it would realise how people are suffering due to lungs’ problem and other diseases.
He said, “The coal transportation is done at cost of the health of Goans for vested interest of politicians to benefit coal owners.”
“Time has come for the Goans to fight against coal pollution and save Goa and Goans,” Pollje added.
