Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: A stormy debate erupted in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Friday over alleged irregularities in coal exports from the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), with the Opposition accusing the government of facilitating illegal operations and failing to enforce environmental norms.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao led the charge, alleging that companies like Jindal were illegally exporting coal beyond permitted limits.
He specifically raised concerns over the coal and coke handling operations of South West Port Ltd., demanding clarity on berth allotments, permissions issued, cess collected, and whether the coal handling thresholds set by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) were being breached.
Alemao accused the government of not collecting even a single rupee as green cess from coal handling companies and claimed that the failure amounted to a deliberate lapse in enforcement.
His remarks triggered an uproar in the House, with Opposition members storming the Well and forcing a ten-minute adjournment of proceedings.
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira responded to the allegations, firmly denying any violations. “Neither MPA nor companies such as Jindal and Adani have been granted permission to increase their coal handling capacities by the GSPCB,” he said.
Sequeira asserted that the government had mandated strict pollution control measures, including the installation of domes over coal stacks, closed conveyor belt systems, and bypass arrangements to reduce dust and emissions during coal transportation.
“These steps have already led to a noticeable improvement in air quality in Vasco over the last two to three months,” he claimed, adding that the situation is under continuous monitoring and no permissions have been granted in violation of environmental regulations.
Despite the government’s clarification, the Opposition remained dissatisfied, insisting on greater transparency, public disclosure of data related to coal handling, and strict enforcement of pollution control norms.
Alemao reiterated that the House must be informed of the exact quantity of coal handled, cess collected, and the environmental compliance status of all firms operating at the port.
