Panaji, Aug 7 (IANS) Goa's environment minister Alina Saldanha Tuesday said the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) was responsible for the coal dust pollution in the port city of Vasco, 35 km from here.
"MPT has behaved irresponsibly and not adhered to conditions by the GSPCB (Goa State Pollution Control Board) and High Court and has repeatedly not fulfilled the directions issued," Saldanha told the state assembly.
She said that black soot rising from handling of coal at the port's hoarding berth was layering the town.
"I will visit the site along with a team after the monsoon and examine the issue thoroughly," she said, adding that air pollution monitoring stations set up by the GSPCB in the town were showing high levels of dust and particulate matter.
"As a short term measure, the GSPCB shall ensure maintaining of the coal stack height, water sprinkling of the coal, till such time a closed shed is built at berth 11," Saldanha said, referring to MPT's promise to build a closed shed for handling coal.
The issue of coal dust pollution has long been an issue. Several residents have even approached the High Court seeking relief.
The MPT has meanwhile promised to build a shed to contain the dust.
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