Goa Chief Minister Takes Decisive Action on Mormugao Port Pollution
In a significant move to address environmental and public health concerns, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Thursday that he has issued strict instructions to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to ensure the immediate stoppage of low-grade coal handling operations at Mormugao port. The announcement came following a crucial meeting with councillors of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), where the long-standing issue of coal dust pollution was discussed at length.
Directive to Halt Import and Handling
"It should not be imported," Sawant emphatically told reporters after the meeting, making it clear that low-grade coal imports through the port must cease. The Chief Minister assured the councillors that he would personally instruct coal companies operating in the area to implement necessary measures to eliminate coal dust pollution that has plagued the port town for years.
Response to Public Protest and Health Concerns
The government's action comes in direct response to growing public discontent. Last month, local residents, supported by council members, organized a substantial protest demanding an end to coal handling at Mormugao port if pollution control measures proved ineffective. The protesters highlighted serious health risks and environmental degradation caused by coal dust emissions.
"It is not feasible to stop coal handling completely, but corrective steps can be taken to stop dust pollution as well as stink emanating from handling of coal," Sawant explained during the meeting, acknowledging the economic importance of port operations while prioritizing environmental protection.
Comprehensive Action Plan
The Chief Minister outlined a multi-pronged approach to address the issue:
- Immediate cessation of low-grade coal handling operations
- Direct instructions to coal companies to implement pollution control measures
- Personal inspection of plants by the Chief Minister to assess the situation
- Formal communication to Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) regarding compliance
Sawant specifically assured councillor Damodar Naik that he would personally inspect the facilities to understand the ground realities and ensure proper implementation of pollution control measures.
Political Support and Implementation Timeline
The meeting saw participation from key political figures including MLAs Krisha Salkar and Sanklap Amonkar, indicating broad political consensus on addressing the pollution issue. A council member who attended the meeting revealed that "The CM promised us that once the GSPCB report is received, a letter will be issued to coal handling companies and Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) to stop handling of low grade coal."
Sawant emphasized that while complete cessation of coal handling might not be immediately practical, comprehensive measures would be implemented to minimize environmental impact and protect public health. The Chief Minister specifically noted that people's health must not be compromised by industrial activities, marking a significant shift in the government's approach to balancing economic development with environmental protection.
This decisive action represents a major victory for environmental activists and local residents who have been campaigning against coal pollution in the region for several years. The move also sets an important precedent for how industrial port operations can be managed in an environmentally sustainable manner while addressing legitimate public health concerns.
