PORVORIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has initiated a prosecution process against Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), Adani Murmugao Port Terminal Private Ltd and South West Port Ltd handling coal at the port, for exceeding the pollution limit causing severe pollution in Vasco.
“A show cause notice was issued to the three on July 21 by the Board and accordingly, the necessary action will be initiated,” Parrikar said reiterating that the government would not allow any expansion in the facility unless measures were adopted to curb pollution.
“At any cost, State is not going to allow any kind of expansion or enhancement in coal handling by MPT unless the pollution in the area is brought under control,” he added.
The government has also decided to take up the coal pollution issue before Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari on August 5, informing him of the State decision of not allowing an enhanced coal handling facility, until pollution is curbed.
“I will raise the issue with the Minister personally and inform him of the decision taken by the State in the interest of people,” Parrikar said.
The Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by Vasco BJP MLA Carlos Almeida, who sought to know by when the Source Apportionment Study proposed by GSPCB through IIT, Bombay would be completed.
Parrikar said the study would be conducted over a period of 12 months and the project would be completed within 18 months from the date of commencement of the work. “The cost of the proposal, that is Rs 94 lakh, will be borne by MPT,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that in order to smoothly execute the project, support would be sought from CSIR-NEERI and expertise from Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) for timely execution of the project. “In this context, IIT Bombay will sign the required MoUs with these institutes. The overall responsibility of project planning, executing and reporting will remain with IIT, Bombay,” he said.
