PANJIM: Speaking on the opposition to the coal expansion projects, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday reiterated that the protests should not be against coal but should be against the pollution created during its handling.
Parrikar also said that those who are opposing the very existence of coal should know that they are using electricity generated by the same material.
“You should not be against coal. You should be against the pollution created out of the handling of the coal and State government has already taken steps to reduce it. The protestors are opposing coal unaware of the fact that they are using electricity generated out of the same material. The group against coal should first stop using electricity,” Parrikar said addressing students at a function for distribution of laptops under the government’s Cyber-age scheme
“What will happen if this kind of agitation starts happening in areas or states where electricity is generated out of coal. Who will give them an explanation?” Parrikar asked, alleging the involvement of certain vested interests behind such kind of agitations.
Parrikar further said that the government is opposed to the expansion of the coal handling facility at MPT. “The state government is definitely opposing the expansion of coal handling facility at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) and in this regard I have been constantly writing letters to the Union government stating the government’s stand on the issue” he added.
