Team Herald
PANJIM: The Congress on Tuesday condemned the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for granting ‘Consent to Operate’ to JSW owned M/s South West Port Limited (SWPL) for handling coal cargo at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), notwithstanding the opposition from Vasco locals.
Addressing media persons, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar questioned the need for and the hurry in granting consent to SWPL when the Election Code of Conduct is in force.
GSPCB on Monday renewed its ‘Consent to Operate’ to SWPL for handling 4.8 million metric tonnes of coal per year at MPT. The Consent is valid up to March 31, 2020. The Vasco locals had last week called on GSPCB chairman Ganesh Shetgaonkar demanding that the consent for coal handling should not be granted on the environmental and health grounds.
Pointing to the mass opposition to coal handling activities at MPT, Kawthankar said, “GSPCB has paid no heed to the people’s request.”
The Congress leader alleged that Mormugao MLA and Minister Milind Naik mediated and ensured that SWPL gets consent for coal handling.
