PANJIM: Goa Against Coal (GAC) on Monday petitioned Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) demanding complete ban on handling of coal cargo at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
Coal pollution in Vasco town has once again raised its ugly head and GSPCB has directed JSW owned South West Port Limited (SWPL) to temporarily suspend its coal handling activities at MPT till the time pollution level is mitigated.
GAC delegation Monday afternoon met GSPCB Chairman Ganesh Shet Gaonkar and demanded a total ban on coal handling activities at MPT citing severe pollution in the Vasco town.
Addressing media persons post meeting, GAC convenor Custodio D’Souza said that the Board, which is the ultimate authority to decide on air pollution, is been requested not to allow coal cargo handling at MPT. “We don’t want coal in Vasco. We don’t want our town to be converted into coal hub. We are not going to allow that,” he said.
GAC has also requested Board to make them party to the in-person hearing given to SWPL, who was issued show cause notice for exceeding the pollution level. The hearing is scheduled on February 21.
SWPL was granted consent to operate for handling coal cargo at MPT in July last year for a period of nine months. Their consent is pending renewal next month.
