Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO:After years of controversy, protests, and delays, the long-anticipated dome structure aimed at curbing coal pollution at Mormugao Port is finally nearing completion. The dome, spanning a massive 43,000 square meters, has been constructed by South West Port Limited (SWPL), a company under the JSW Group, and is set to be operational by January 2025.
A Major Shift in Port Operations
Since the mining ban in Goa, coal has replaced iron ore as the primary cargo at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA). While the coal business has become an essential revenue stream for the port, it has also been at the center of heated disputes over pollution concerns.
Locals and environmental activists have frequently clashed with port authorities and coal-handling companies, accusing them of failing to mitigate the coal dust pollution caused during transportation and storage. Protests in the Mormugao constituency, in particular, have highlighted the pressing need for effective measures to curb pollution.
A Long-Awaited Solution
The idea of constructing a dome structure to address coal pollution was first floated years ago but remained on paper due to delays in securing necessary approvals and licenses. In June 2023, MPA Chairman Dr. N. Vinod Kumar announced a renewed commitment to the project, with JSW pledging an investment of Rs. 150 crores under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
By April 2024, construction had officially begun, with Dr. Kumar stating, “The works on the dome to mitigate any coal pollution have begun and are progressing well. The structure should be ready by January 2025, addressing longstanding concerns about coal pollution.”
Dome Nears Completion Amid Skepticism
Despite skepticism from local residents and activists, who believed the project would remain unfulfilled, the dome’s construction is now visibly advanced. Located near Sada and the Jetty area, the towering structure can be seen from nearby roads, signaling progress toward its much-delayed completion.
A senior JSW source shared updates on the project, stating, “We estimated an initial cost of Rs. 150 crores, but the actual expenditure has risen to Rs. 180 crores. Once completed, the dome will significantly reduce dust pollution, nearly eliminating it. We are confident the structure will be fully operational by January 2025.”
Environmental and Economic Significance
The dome at Mormugao Port is modeled after similar structures successfully implemented by JSW at Jaigarh Port in Maharashtra. It is expected to set a benchmark for environmental compliance in coal-handling operations across India.
The project, while costly, reflects the balancing act between economic development and environmental sustainability. As MPA continues to rely on coal as a critical revenue source, the dome represents a step forward in addressing environmental concerns while maintaining business continuity.
Whether it will fully meet expectations remains to be seen, but its nearing completion is a milestone in the region’s journey toward cleaner industrial practices.
