VASCO: An angry mob along with few Mormugao Municipal councilors raised objections before the Deputy Collector on Thursday, to the proposal of setting up a quarantine unit from at Headland Sada harbour in Mormugao Port Trust’s (MPT) premises.

Speculation that 150 passengers on a plane from Iran would be arrive Dabolim airport and later be quarantined in MPT’s old administrative building caused widespread panic amongst the local population. This led to the large group opposing the same on the grounds that this could lead to the spread of coronavirus in the densely populated area. In their letter, the locals further pointed out that given MPT’s position as a leading transport hub, Goa and Mormugao in particular can get exposed to the virus.

They have warned that if their demands are not met, they will protest against what they described to be ‘inhumane action on the part of the government’ and added that the authorities concerned will be solely responsible for any untoward incident.

Following this, the Dy Collector Paresh Phaldessai wrote a letter to the South Goa District Collector conveying the demands raised by the locals. Phaldesai also pointed out that they had received objections from the Goa Port & Dock Employees Union and Custom House Agents.