Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A looming public health and environmental crisis caused by the mishandling of bauxite cargo at Mormugao Port was raised in the Goa Legislative Assembly, with Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar accusing port operators of subjecting residents to hazardous dust pollution.
Speaking during Zero Hour, Amonkar said the handling of bauxite by Delta Port Mormugao Terminal Private Limited had created “grave and unacceptable living conditions” for people in several densely populated neighbourhoods.
“Fine bauxite dust is settling inside people’s homes, schools and public spaces. Residents of Desterro, Baina, Bogda, Jetty, Rumdawada and Headland Sada are being forced to breathe toxic air every day. This is a clear threat to their health and lives,” Amonkar told the House.
The MLA said that in less than a month, about 2.29 lakh metric tonnes of bauxite meant for M/s Hindalco, Belgaum was handled at Berths 10 and 11 of Mormugao Port. The cargo was allegedly stacked in the open without any water sprinklers or dust-suppression systems, allowing fine particles to spread across surrounding residential areas.
He also pointed out that the bauxite was being transported by road to Belgaum, worsening air pollution along the entire route.
“Such reckless handling of dusty cargo without basic pollution control measures is a blatant violation of environmental laws and shows total disregard for public health,” Amonkar said.
Despite repeated complaints from citizens, he alleged that neither the authorities nor the private terminal operator have taken effective action to control the pollution.
