Coal news and updates

Amidst a raging debate over the coal dust pollution in Vasco, the state government said it will write to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) urging it not to allow expansion of coal import projects in the state, unless the pollution level declines.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the House on Wednesday that the letter, informing of the objections to the expansion of coal handling, will be sent to the ministry before July 31. In the meantime, Adani Murmugao Port Terminal Pvt Ltd and South West Port Ltd which are importing coal at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) have been directed to reduce their capacity by 25 per cent for failing to control dust pollution.

“We should put our viewpoint very firmly. The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has already asked reducing the capacity of existing berths by 25 per cent. The MPT is asked to stop importing materials which are powder in nature,” he said in response to Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco raising apprehensions that the state government was attempting to convert Vasco port into a coal hub. 

In his reply during Question Hour, the CM categorically denied the existence of a coal hub in Vasco, as alleged by the opposition. 

Parrikar reiterated that since pollution in certain parts of Vasco had crossed the permissible level, MPT was to stop importing such materials. “There was minor pollution in Khariwada (Vasco). The capacity had exceeded 50 per cent. We have reduced the current capacity by 25 per cent and have begun the process of prosecuting those who are exceeding the capacity. We won’t tolerate pollution,” he assured.

The CM also brought to the notice of the House that GSPCB had written to MoEFCC informing about the problems faced due to current coal handling activity. A copy of GSPCB report on coal pollution and recommendations will be annexed with letter to the ministry. 

“In the letter, I will write that this (exceeding capacity of coal handling) is polluting the state and hence they should not give permission unless it really comes down. I will make them aware (about the situation) and ensure that MoEFCC does not overrule my observation,” he added. 

After reducing the coal handling capacity by 25 per cent, another study will be conducted post the monsoon in October to check pollution levels. 

Explaining why pollution has not been controlled even after the capacity was reduced by 25 per cent, Parrikar, who is also the Environment Minister, stated that the restriction was imposed from June.

“The authorities monitored the situation from February to May and in June the consent was reduced by 25 per cent. If 25 per cent does not sustain, it will be further reduced to 50 per cent, or else bring it down to zero per cent. Another study will be conducted after the monsoons in October. This is a warning to the companies to go for modernisation,” he said alleging that some companies do not invest money to prevent pollution. “We won’t allow further expansion unless and until they (companies) prove zero percent pollution.”

Stating he will personally monitor the situation, the CM said that closure of the activity will leave many jobless. 

“If you want to close it, we can. But Vasco lives on it. The port has attracted people from across India. We can ensure that while the port survives, pollution is minimum. I am saying this because we need to strike a balance,” the chief minister commented. 

 

Source: Herald Goa