VASCO: Stating that the response given by South West Port Limited (SWPL) on pollution in Vasco is like the proverbial ostrich, the concerned citizens as well as anti-coal activists from Vasco have rejected the reasons given by SWPL.
“Pollution caused by its (SWPL) operations has been duly documented in Ambient Air Quality readings. Hence, the GSPCB directions to reduce handling by 25% that remains unchallenged,” said Vasco based Environmental Activist, Advocate Savio Correia in response to the statement given by SWPL on pollution in Vasco.
“Even the latest results of November 2017 at SWPL Canteen building showed PM10 levels, way above safe limits on 18 out of 21 readings in first three weeks. It is obvious that the so-called mitigation measures are woefully inadequate. Blaming the Railways for failing to respond to requests for closed wagons is only passing the buck. SWPL cannot abdicate its responsibility as transporter of dusty cargo. Regarding covered storage, geodesic/parabolic dome was recommended by EAC in the Terms of reference (TOR) for capacity enhancement proposal, but ignored in the EIA study probably hoping to save on costs. I called it out at the public hearing. They are forced to agree to implement it now. The SWPL executive’s averments in this regard are totally false,” Correia alleged.
“Finally, regarding claims of economic and job losses if operations are shut down, in my opinion, no one can trample over a citizen’s fundamental right to life. If any activity interferes and has to be shut, so be it,” he opined.
A human rights activist and Member of Goa Against Coal (GAC) Cyril Fernandes said, “It appears that the argument that SWPL has placed on the issue of coal pollution is like SWPL is trying to camouflaging the pollution in name of other things. They are trying to use other issues as a curtain. Every city has pot holes or other pollution. Those sort of things are existing in every city and such things does not lead to such high range of pollution in the air. Obviously the reason why pollution of particulate matter in Vasco is high is because of coal which they have handled in excess in blatant violation of laws of land,” he said.
