PANJIM: In a set back to green activists demanding the closure of coal operations, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has refused an interim stay for coal handling at Mormugao Port Trust.
In an order on Thursday, the division bench also sought from the government comprehensive data on pollution in Vasco. The report has to be submitted before it next month.
The government, during the hearing submitted that a study on the pollution level in the port town is being conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, which would be completed by 2020.
While asking for the pollution data by November, the bench adjourned the matter for further hearing on December 11.
The order comes in connection with a petition filed by Goa Foundation and five others seeking the High Court’s order for total and permanent ban on coal and coke handling at the port.
The petitioners had stated that the import and handling of this dirty cargo is leading to permanent impairment of health and the health of fellow citizens and continuously affects the right to clean and planned environment guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Besides the State government, the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Mormugao Municipal Council, the port trust and other government departments are respondents in the matter.
