-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=011427
Stop ferrying coal by road: Willy NT Staff Reporter Panaji Jan 13: Dr Wilfred de Souza, the Deputy Chief Minister who is also the Environment Minister, has warned the companies importing coal as well as the Mormugao Port Trust that transportation of coal through road would not be allowed by the state authorities, as it was causing environment pollution. He has told them to switch over to importing coke, which was not polluting. Addressing a press conference this evening, Dr de Souza told reporters that 80 per cent of coal and coke imported was handled mechanically at facilities created at berths number 5A and 6A and pollution has been controlled but of the rest 20 per cent which was handled manually at berths number 10 and 11 were causing pollution in the port town. The Deputy Chief Minister said that of the four companies that import coal at berths number 10 and 11, Goa Carbon has agreed to import coke to prevent pollution but the other companies - M/s Kirloskar, Kalyani and Usha Ispat continue to import coal, which was in dust form and was a major cause of pollution. He said that since coal was being handled manually and transported by roads it was causing major environment pollution in the state, as the trucks carrying it pass through length and breadth of the state spilling coal powder everywhere, adding that the government would take all precautions to prevent pollution and even confiscate the trucks carrying coal. Dr de Souza said that despite state government urging MPT to stop unloading of coal at berths number 10 and 11, the Union shipping secretary, who has since retired, passed an order that unloading should be continued there. He said the state government cannot prevent MPT from carrying out its work within its area but certainly could prevent movement of trucks carrying coal and that he would not hesitate in discharging its duties at providing pollution free environment to its citizens. He also questioned the logic of the MPT authorities of designating berth number 10 as passenger handling terminus, even as they handled coal from the same berth, which was causing pollution. He said that tourists handled from the berth were high paying people who prefer pollution free environment and wondered what was the justification behind the decision. The deputy chairman of MPT, Mr Mahapatra, who was also present, said that the berth was designated following directive from central authorities. The chairman of Goa State Pollution Control Board, Dr L Joshi, was also present at the press conference. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
