Team Goemkarponn
Mormugao: Social activist Dr Jorson Fernandes has raised serious concerns over what he described as the government’s “sinister plan” to drastically increase coal handling through Goa under the Sagarmala project, warning of grave health and environmental consequences for the State.
According to Dr Fernandes, the project proposes to raise coal handling at Mormugao Port from the existing 12 million tonnes to 136 million tonnes — an elevenfold increase. “Such a massive escalation will multiply coal dust pollution in our air, food, and water, and lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions,” he cautioned, adding that this would further aggravate respiratory ailments such as asthma and other lung-related diseases among residents of Mormugao and nearby areas.
He further pointed out that the transport of coal by trains contributes significantly to air and sound pollution, track vibrations, and coal spillage, all of which pose serious risks to public health and the environment. “Now, with the plan to move coal through waterways, Goa also faces the threat of river and coastal water contamination, especially through slurry pipelines or shipping,” he warned.
Citing research, Dr Fernandes said that around 300 kilograms of coal spills from a single wagon over 600 kilometres, releasing toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and lead. “These pollutants enter water bodies and marine life, eventually contaminating fish and posing health risks to humans. Goans may no longer be able to depend on fish as a safe food source,” he said.
Highlighting the Precautionary Principle in environmental law, Dr Fernandes stressed that whenever there is credible suspicion of pollution, the burden of proof lies on the project proponents to demonstrate safety. “Authorities must take preventive action and ensure public participation in risk assessment, management, and communication,” he added.
Referring to findings from the Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change, Dr Fernandes said governments worldwide are urged to phase out coal rapidly to protect cardiovascular and respiratory health. He also cited the Healthy Energy Initiative, a global alliance of health experts and organisations, which advocates transitioning from coal and other fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources.
“The science is clear — coal is harming our health, our air, and our future,” Dr Fernandes concluded.
