Team Herald
PANJIM: In a major decision, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on Friday relaxed restrictions imposed on coal handling to South West Port Ltd (SWPL) and Adani Pvt Ltd from 0.4 million metric tonnes to 0.5 million metric tonnes per month subject to prior approval from the board.
GSPCB had last year imposed restrictions on coal handling of 0.4MT/month for both units at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) after the activity was found to be leading to severe pollution in Vasco.
At the Board meeting on Friday, it was decided to consider the request of the units and grant relaxation in coal handling from 0.4MT to 0.5MT per month to adjust it according to the shipment and with prior intimation to the board.
Sources said the firms had approached the board seeking relaxation in the conditions on grounds that during a certain period the coal handling is 0.4MT, and in some cases it reduces to 0.3MT.
“Hence, they wanted that the same be increased to 0.5MT based on the shipment during certain months. The same has been granted,” sources said.
Goa Against Coal had slammed GSPCB on Thursday for its failure to control the coal pollution in Vasco.
