Will ensure coal dust pollution in Mormugao is contained: CM

Vasco: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said he has instructed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to ensure that handling of low-grade coal is stopped at Mormugao port. “It should not be imported,” Sawant told reporters, on Thursday, after a meeting with the councillors of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).

Sawant assured them he will instruct coal companies to take necessary steps to end coal dust pollution in the port town. Last month, locals joined by council members held a protest demanding a stop to coal handling at Mormugao port, if the pollution cannot be contained.

“It is not feasible to stop coal handing, but corrective steps can be taken to stop dust pollution as well as stink emanating from handling of coal,” Sawant assured councillors and MLAs Krisha Salkar and Sanklap Amonkar who attended the meeting.

Sawant said he will instruct coal companies to take measures to minimise the impact of coal handling, and that people’s health is not affected.

“The CM promised us that once the GSPCB report is received, a letter will be issued to coal handling companies and Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) to stop handling of low grade coal,” said a council member who was part of the meeting with the CM.

Sawant told councillor Damodar Naik he would inspect the plants to take stock of the situation.