Team Herald
VASCO: Finally after eight days, the public hearing for three proposed expansion plans by Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) ended on Friday.
The citizens as well as political leaders reacted strongly against the third project which is proposed redevelopment of berth 8,9 and barge berth of MPT.
The public hearing for third and last project (redevelopment of berth 8,9 and barge berth of MPT) started at 10.30 am.
Former MMC Chairperson Madeline Pereira pointed out that Adani (coal handling agency at MPT) has special port at Belekeri for ore, so why they are not using the same port for coal, why they want only Goa?”
RTI activist Avinash Tavares said, “I am shocked that MPT which is a central agency, is ill-equipped to handle any sort of chemical disaster and despite this, the agency has been proposing to expand to put people’s life in more trouble. With one fire-tender and without any proper mock drills, how does the MPT expect to handle disastrous situations. It is shocking that MPT has inadequate arrangements and lacks proper coordination with state government agencies in case of a fire incident,” he said.
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha said that “It’s not only Vasco but even the adjoining villages are facing the brunt of the pollution caused by coal dust. Eventually, the coal is also transported through rail and when the consignment moves in train wagons at a high speed and in case these are not properly covered with tarpaulin sheets, spillage of coal from wagons takes place. In fact, all along the journey, one can find coal on the tracks leaving villagers to face coal pollution. I do witness the same from my office every day,” she said.
She further added that “Also when I was minister for forest and environment, I had conducted site inspection at MPT and I found coal dust everywhere inside the port”
. Not only the port but even areas far away from the port had coal dust. I think the port has to be more responsible. I am not against anybody because I am also aware that many people must be working at the port but health comes first. I, therefore, feel that before any enhancement takes place, MPT has to prove to the people of the port town and of Goa that they are responsible and they can handle coal in a responsible and environmental-friendly manner, until that is done, there can be no enhancement or coal handling anywhere in the port,” she concluded.
