Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: The Goa government today mounted a strong defence of coal-handling operations at Mormugao Port, asserting in the Legislative Assembly that all companies operating at the port are functioning strictly within the limits permitted by environmental authorities and in full compliance with statutory regulations.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant informed the House that South West Port Ltd. (SWPL), Adani Mormugao Port Terminal and the Mooring Dolphin berths all possess valid Environmental Clearances (EC) as well as Consents to Establish and Operate issued by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) under the Water and Air Acts.
Providing detailed figures, Sawant said SWPL is permitted to handle up to 5.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of coal and coke but has handled only 3.4 MTPA. Adani Mormugao Port Terminal is allowed 5.2 MTPA and handled 4.6 MTPA, while the Mooring Dolphin berth handles about 0.2 MTPA — all within sanctioned limits. “No additional coal handling has been permitted by the State,” the Chief Minister told the Assembly.
He added that the GSPCB regularly monitors compliance with environmental norms and the conditions laid down in the Environmental Clearances. “Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate are granted only to activities that possess valid Environmental Clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006,” Sawant said, rejecting allegations that companies were operating without approvals.
The statement, however, did little to calm tempers in the House. The Assembly witnessed heated exchanges as Opposition members, led by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, accused coal-handling companies of violating environmental norms and demanded an immediate halt to coal operations in the State.
Congress MLA Alton D’Costa invoked the legacy of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, reminding the House of his opposition to the expansion of coal handling in Goa. D’Costa said it was time for the present government to respect the people’s mandate and protect Goa’s fragile environment.
Amid the ongoing controversy, the government also announced a health-focused intervention. The ICMR–National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, has been appointed to study the impact of coal dust exposure and respiratory illnesses among port workers and nearby residents. The study will include testing for heavy metals in blood and urine as part of efforts to safeguard community health around Mormugao Port.
With coal handling continuing to dominate Assembly proceedings, the government maintains that all activities are within the legal and environmental framework, while the Opposition continues to press for tighter oversight and a fundamental rethink of coal-related operations in Goa.
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