PANAJI: Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has delayed the request of the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) for handling coal in Mooring Dolphin 1, 2 and 3, but was given 10% leverage to South West Port Ltd (SWPL) for handling coal on monthly capping During the rainy season which should not exceed the total annual coal handling capacity.
MPT made a representation before the permit to handle coal in Mooring Dolphin.
During the Board meeting, GSPCB members wanted to know the status of the source supervisor study that showed the causes of air pollution in Vasco.
“After the deliberation, it was decided to postpone MPT’s request to the next meeting,” said a senior officer toi.
The Board has received a request from South West Port Ltd (SWPL) for relaxation close to coal handling or monthly coke in the total number permitted 5.5 million metric tons per year (MMTPA).
The member secretary told the council that demand has been received from SWPL for relaxation in monthly coal or handling coke with leverage in monthly handling for the rainy season and a fair season.
The Board has provided an agreement and amendment of the unit to have a 10% leverage in the monthly handling of coal or coke for a fair season from October to May and there is no leverage in the monthly quantity from June to September.
A senior officer said that now the unit has asked permission to leverage in a monthly amount of handling maintain a total of 5.5mmtpa which includes leverage up to 20 to 25% during the fair season of the current 10% leverage and up to 10% of the monsoon of no leverage.
“After negotiating, members agreed to give 10% leverage during the Monsun months, while maintaining the conditions imposed in the previous agreement for handling coal or coke in a reasonable season and limiting total coal or coal,” seniors, “the officer said.
-People in Goa against coal handling in MPT and the state have witnessed several agitations to stop handling coal.
People even opposed the tracking double train they suspect being carried out for coal handling.