The proposed expansion of coal handling facilities at Goa's only major port, the Mormugao Port Trust has triggered a political battle in Goa, with the legislative wing of the Congress on Monday resolving to oppose the project, which is seeing opposition from civil society groups in the port town of Vasco, who have complained of coal dust pollution.
Speaking to The Pioneer on Monday evening, Congress legislative party spokesperson Aleixo Reginaldo said, that the Congress stood with the people suffering from coal pollution in Vasco, located 35 km from Panaji, where the coal-handling berths are proposed to be expanded for additional handling of coal imports, which are intended to be sent via rail and road to steel factories in North Karnataka.
"We have resolved to oppose this project. The BJP does not appear to care for the sufferings of people in Vasco, who are being choked by pollution from coal dust. Environment norms are being flouted by the companies which are handling coal right now. With the proposed expansion, the pollution levels will increase further," Reginaldo said.
The Mormugao Port Trust has requested for expansion and redevelopment of four berths at its facility to cater to added import of coal, by three corporate firms. The move has witnessed civil society protests, which have accused the firms as well as the central government-operated port facility of flouting green norms, thus facilitating pollution by way of coal dust.
A report by the Goa State Pollution Control Board has already confirmed that Vasco was severely hit by coal pollution.
The proposed redevelopment of the coal handling facilities is expected to increase import of coal, which is currently 12 million tons to 51 million tons by the year 2030.
The ruling BJP-led coalition has been wishy-washy on the issue, with its spokesperson Dattaprasad Naik stating that the party will not allow people in Vasco to suffer from pollution and that measures were being taken to mitigate the impact of coal dust pollution. Naik also said that the protests against coal handling facility expansion were politically motivated.
"Those who are saying they are anti-coal should stop using electricity. They should top using all coal-linked facilities first and then complain against coal," Naik said.
During a visit to the state last week, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari said that if the protests continue, the coal handling facility could be shifted to the Vijaydurg port in Maharashtra.