VASCO: The citizens of Mormugao constituency have threatened to agitate if the authorities fail to take measures to stop the foul odour emanating while handling cargo at the Mormugao port.
The residents of Mormugao have been complaining about strong odour emanating in the area during night hours when the cargo is cleared in the Mormugao port.
A resident complained to Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who requested the Deputy Collector to convene a joint meeting with Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) and all the stakeholders. A team from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) visited the port and after carrying out inspection, made several observations. The GSPCB will soon submit its inspection report to the authorities.
Amonkar has now warned to agitate if the MPA and coal handling companies fail to take measures to prevent odour emanating during handling of cargo in the port as it was affecting the residents of Mormugao particularly those residing at Sada.
After the joint meeting, the MPA sought a week’s to find out the reason for the odour emanating while handling cargo even as the MPA officials have denied that it was smell of the coal.
It is learnt that the authorities are trying to find out if the odour was of the water used by the coal handling companies on the coal stacks as these companies are using water treated from sewage treatment plant (STP). The GSPCB has been asked to test the water used by both – the coal handling companies as well as by the MPA.
Another joint site inspection in the port by all the authorities concerned is likely to be held next week, it was informed.
