GSPCB stops coal handling in Vasco

VASCO: The Goa State Pollution Control Board has stopped coal handling operations at the Mormugao Port Trust, taking strong cognisance of the concerns raised by citizens of Vasco over the rising coal dust pollution.

Two coal handling units at the MPT – one belonging to the South West Port Ltd (Jindal Group) and the other belonging to the Mormugao Port Terminal Ltd (Adani Group) – have been asked to stop the coal handling operations by the GSPCB till further order. MPT officials confirmed that the GSPCB has halted the coal handling operations.

A board team is likely to monitor ambient air quality at the MPT berths during the period of the halt to the operations.

The team will investigate the coal pollution; the board will not hesitate to initiate stringent action against the companies for not complying with directives.

The GSPCB might direct the companies to build ‘domes’ in their respective operational areas so as to control the pollution.

Highly reliable sources said that MPT chairman Dr E Ramesh Kumar on Friday inspected the coal handling plants operated by the SWPL and the MPTL to take stock of the coal pollution.

The MPT chairman was accompanied by an official of the ministry of shipping and representatives of the coal handling companies.

Dr Kumar issued directions to the coal handling companies, asking them to implement corrective measures, the sources said.