VASCO: The annual report (2016-17) released by the Goa Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) which certifies that the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) area is the most polluted zone in Goa has come as a shocker to the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC). After the GSPCB report was made public, the MMC now demands that the port authorities should reply to the citizens of port city as to why they failed to act against such increasing pollution levels within their operational area or else the MPT should immediately stop its coal handling operations at port as the residents’ patience is running thin.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, MMC Chairperson Deepak Naik slammed the pollution board and said that the revelation by the GSPCB only indicates that despite having the data, the pollution board failed to carry out its duty. He said since last year, the council has sent several letters and reminders to the GSPCB to provide a copy of comprehensive data on pollution level in Vasco so that the council could act on its resolution of blocking coal transportation through the city, however, GSPCB failed to reply to MMC.
“GSPCB report has proved that MPT is the culprit behind the high pollution levels in Vasco. Now, we were waiting to see what reply MPT presents. However, we were shocked to note that the MPT has not replied to the GSPCB report and it seems that as if they are trying to hide some facts or have accepted that they have polluted the city through their operations,” Naik said.
On behalf of citizens and councillors, I now demand that the port authorities should reply to the people on GPSCB revelation or should immediately stop any further coal handling at port,” Naik said.
He further added that “Also by acknowledging the pollution levels in the port town are high and that MPT is the most polluted industrial zone has shown how weak GSPCB is against the culprit who is responsible for polluting the air we breathe. This shows that GSPCB is in hand-and-glove with coal operators and MPT and thus despite several letters and reminders, MPT did not share its comprehensive report on pollution in Vasco. Also, after we were informed about the increasing coal pollution, the council had passed a resolution to stop handling of coal at the port and its transportation though city and if GSPCB had supported the council with its data on pollution then such situation would not have arrived as council with the help of public would have stopped all coal transportation though the city” Naik said
He further said that “On one hand, while the council is trying to make Vasco green and clean, on the other, MPT is polluting the city to the hilt. We are now anxiously waiting for the outcome of the public hearing and if the hearing report goes against the citizens and if expansion plans are given a green nod, then the council along with the public would be left with no option but to stage protest and stop the road transportation to and from MPT completely.”
