PANJIM: Stating that no further permissions would be granted for expansion of coal handling at MPT, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday ripped apart the Opposition, as well as NGOs, for creating unnecessary fear in the minds of the people.
Replying to the private member’s resolution tabled by Congress MLA Ravi Naik, Parrikar began his speech saying Goa is a tourism State and pollution cannot be accepted in any manner.
Parrikar said that the range of coal pollution is just two kilometres and the impact isn’t in entire Goa as is being projected. “We have to keep rationality in mind. We can’t be against coal as 90 percent of power depends on coal. Why don’t we stop using air conditioning which produces carbon,” he shot back.
He said pollution in Goa is not due to coal burning but due to transportation. “Around 26.3 lakh tonnes of coal per year is burned to generate power for Goa at the different plants. What should people of those places do? What will happen if they also oppose coal? We will have no power,” he said and added, “Vehicles in Goa produce 72 lakh tonnes of CO are we doing anything to stop this? We have to stop vehicles first as they pollute more.”
Taking on the Opposition Congress, especially Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and Luizinho Faleiro, Parrikar alleged that the rights for coal handling were given by Congress and not the BJP. Substantiating his claim, Parrikar alleged that both companies handling coal – SWL and Adani – were granted permission by Congress.
(see timeline on Pg 12).
“The then Environment Minister Jayanti Natrajan even waived off the public hearing for environment clearance for coal handling. BJP has no role, Adani has not got permission during Modi’s time. Only work started 10 days after Modi took over that does not mean we gave them permission,” Parrikar said. “Now who is Adani’s friend – the BJP or the Congress?” he questioned.
Parrikar assured the House that no permission would be granted for expansion of coal handling till the situation is under control. “Be assured no expansion will take place I will guarantee. They have to show there is no pollution before coming for expansion. Unless we conduct a study there will be no environment clearance,” he said.
Parrikar said that Vasco is the least polluted in Goa as per GSPCB statistics. “I will monitor it on a weekly basis. Weekly GSPCB will take two readings which I will ask them to post online. I will also conduct independent health study to see that there is no health issue in Vasco or anywhere else,” he said.
Parrikar further said that panchayats that are opposing coal must stop using power and switch to solar power. “Those panchayats opposing will be encouraged to move to solar power and government will help them,” he said adding that those who criticise should be first to themselves.
He added, “Carbon prints cannot be reduced by government efforts but the people have to participate in it. Nonetheless, give me two to three months I will bring it in control.”
Parrikar said that other States are using the coal issue to defame Goa due to tourism rivalry. “These reports are used against Goa to say that Goa is not a safe tourist destination. We are defaming Goa by making reckless statements,” he said.
Parrikar said that there is opposition to everything in Goa. “Meta Strips, Konkan Railway, Mandovi bridge, sewerage, garbage plant Zuari bridge all projects are opposed, are these justified?” he asked.
