Goa Assembly Sees Heated Confrontation Over Coal Handling Operations
The Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes on Tuesday as opposition members rushed into the well of the House. They demanded the state government immediately stop all coal handling activities in the coastal state. "We don't want coal in Goa," shouted the agitated opposition legislators, creating a tense atmosphere in the assembly chamber.
Discrepancy in Official Figures Sparks Controversy
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao highlighted a significant contradiction between different government responses. He pointed out that the central government, in its reply to Parliament, stated coal handling occurs at five locations within the Mormugao Port Authority. However, the state government informed the assembly that only three locations handle coal.
"Submitting one answer in Parliament and a different answer in the assembly shows complete inconsistency," Alemao asserted. He expressed frustration that MLAs face restrictions accessing the port area, describing MPA as "a state within the state."
Government Defends Its Position on Coal Operations
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant presented the government's defense against these allegations. He clarified that three companies currently handle coal at MPA, and all possess valid environmental clearances. The companies he named were Southwest Port Limited, Adani Mormugao Port, and Morning Dolphine.
Sawant emphasized that these operators have not exceeded their permissible coal handling limits. He stated firmly that the state government has not permitted any additional coal handling beyond what was authorized back in 2012.
Environmental Monitoring and Health Studies Underway
The Chief Minister detailed several environmental initiatives his administration has implemented. These include launching an environment management plan at the port and continuing air quality monitoring programs. Additionally, the government commissioned a health study through the National Institute of Occupational Health in Ahmedabad.
This study, operating under the Indian Council of Medical Research, will assess the impact of port activities on local communities. Sawant presented these measures as evidence of the government's commitment to environmental protection.
Opposition Challenges Government Claims
Alemao directly challenged the Chief Minister's statements, accusing him of misleading the assembly. He specifically noted that the parliamentary reply mentioned coal handling west of the breakwater, which Sawant omitted from his assembly response.
"There are five places where coal is handled, and you say three places. Why are these places missing from your reply?" Alemao demanded. He pressed the government to clarify whether it would take action against coal handling occurring west of the breakwater.
The opposition leader further contradicted Sawant's claim that no company exceeded handling limits. Alemao revealed that Jindal had indeed exceeded its coal handling capacity, resulting in a show cause notice being issued against the company.
Historical Context and Broader Concerns
Quepem MLA Altone D'Costa reminded the assembly that coal handling represents a major environmental issue for Goa. He invoked former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's stance, noting that Parrikar had declared coal handling unnecessary for the state.
D'Costa also referenced Parrikar's opposition to the double-tracking of the southwestern railway, a project many believe would primarily benefit coal transportation. He questioned how the Goa State Pollution Control Board granted operational consent for handling over five million tonnes annually without proper environmental clearance.
"Who wants this coal? Goans don't want coal. They want to finish Goa with coal. Parrikar did not want coal," D'Costa declared passionately, capturing the sentiment of many residents.
Political Blame Game Intensifies
Chief Minister Sawant countered by shifting historical responsibility. He stated clearly that the current state government does not support coal handling in Goa. Sawant attributed the initial introduction of coal to the Congress party, while crediting Parrikar with stopping those operations during his tenure.
The Chief Minister also addressed financial measures, mentioning that the government imposed a green cess. He indicated the state would collect this fee from all relevant parties once the Supreme Court resolves pending legal matters.
The assembly session concluded without resolution, leaving the contentious coal handling issue simmering. Both sides maintained their positions firmly, setting the stage for continued political confrontation over Goa's environmental future.
