Team Herald
Vasco: The Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee (LC) has claimed that the Mormugao Municipal Council’s (MMC) decision to stop coal and bauxite transportation through Vasco is “incorrect” as it will severely impact the economy of the port city as well as Goa. The LC has also called for the MMC to discuss the issue with the people, businessmen and even State authorities before taking such a decision.
LC Chairman Chandrakant Gawas was reacting to a news article on the issue of coal pollution and MMC’s decision to stop coal and bauxite transportation published by Herald on Saturday.
“The sudden announcement of banning transportation is incorrect. MMC should understand that even during the Konkan Railway issue, people raised objections, and now the same people are demanding more trains. If we talk about banning operations every time, then the economy of an individual, of the particular area and even the State will not grow,” said Gawas.Regarding the issue of pollution in Vasco, due to which people held several agitations, Gawas stated, “We are also worried about the environment and pollution, but there are measures to control the same. If this really happens, then there is fear that all coal operations from Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) will shift to another state and the economy of Goa will be the worst.”
He continued, “Today, the State government is facing a shortfall of Rs 4,000 crore, and thus, such banning should not be there. Also, MMC should take note of the economic crises in Goa.”
after the mining ban, due to which the automobile, real estate and hotel industries, and even small shopkeepers and other traders are facing big financial trouble. Why add more trouble by banning coal and bauxite transport?”
Gawas also highlighted the issue of people becoming jobless after the closure of Meta Strips Ltd. Similarly, he said, the barge industry and workers at Western India Shipyards Limited are having a tough time without salary. He added that if the MMC talks about banning coal and bauxite transportation, then it will lead to the closure of another industry.
“There are ways to handle the issue. As LC chairman and as part of the MPT Board of Trustee, I have already placed a demand for parking facilities for trucks away from the city. The MPT has taken note of the same,” said Gawas.
He further said, “Regarding the issue of the NH17B, the work has recently started and will be completed in three years, after which traffic from the port will get diverted through the NH17B. Also, for easy evacuation of cargo from MPT, there is need for a railway line; the work will be taken up shortly, after which most coal transportation will take place through rail. Why is MMC hurrying to take such decision?”
Gawas added, “It is a fact that people should get a pollution-free atmosphere, and thus, the MPT Trust has already taken a decision to appoint a new pollution control officer, who will take steps and also discuss the pollution issue every month. The pollution issue will be competed resolved, so the MMC should reconsider its decision.”
