Cos won’t be allowed to handle coal if dome not constructed: Min

VASCO/Margao: Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral has warned that coal handling companies will not be allowed to handle coal if they fail to construct dome to stack coal within the Mormugao Port. While not denying pollution is caused by coal handling and transportation, he opined that stopping nation building projects is not a solution.

Speaking to mediapersons after touring Mormugao Constituency along with local MLA Sankalp Amonkar, the Minister said that coal handling companies had proposed construction of dome structure to handle coal within the port but the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stopped the proposed plan since CRZ 2011 plan was not in place. 

He said that now CRZ 2011 plan was in place and the MoEF&CC has given them permissions to construct a dome to stack coal. He warned that if the companies fail to construct dome then the government will stop their coal handling activity. 

Cabral pointed out that the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) was earlier handling iron ore while, coal handling was in negligible quantity till iron ore export was stopped. 

He said that coal handling quantity was likely to be increased by the MPA as many people are working in the port

Reacting to the protests by Velsao villagers to the double tracking, the Minister said that he visited the Velsao village on two occasions but an amicable solution cannot be found because of local issues. 

Work on Margao court building 

to start soon

Law and PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral announced that the government will soon begin the work on the construction of the new sessions and criminal court building in Margao.

Cabral stated that Rs 32 crore has been sanctioned for the new building and that the tendering process initiated by the government will be completed soon. He said that the work would start by April-end or the first week of May and when the foundation stone will be laid.  

The Minister further added that a contractor would be finalised soon and once that is done there should not be any more delays for the project. 

Cabra also spoke about the recently renovated criminal and sessions court building and said he will hold an inspection later this week.