Times of India reported that Vascoites have welcomed the decision of the Goa State Pollution Control Board to stop coal handling by the Mormugao Port Trust at berth numbers 10 and 11.

Mr Simon Pereira convenor of the Mormugao Bachao Abhiyan said “It is a late decision and should have been taken five six years ago."

Mr Pereira added that the MPT is yet to stop the coal handling as the port claims it is yet to receive the GSPCB order.

Mr Pereira said MPT is violating court orders by piling coal in the open instead of only a 6m stacking. He also said the necessary sprinklers were not installed and trees not planted, as directed.

Mr Pereira stated that the "MPT is taking the fishermen and people of Vasco for a ride.”

He urged the MPT to stop coal handling till it constructs infrastructure to automate the process.

Source - Times of India

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