Panaji (Goa): Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) today suspended the coal handling facilities of M/s. South West Port Ltd (SWPL) at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) with immediate effect.

The Board in its meeting held today revoked revoked the Consent to Operate granted to SWPL for being involved in excess coal handling. SWPL has however been granted 15 days period to transport the existing cargo lying at the two berths.

“We have revoked the consent to operate granted to SWPL as they were found to have operational in violation of the conditions laid down in the Consent to Operate,” GSPCB chairman Ganesh Shetagonkar told reporters.

“The Board decides that the Consent order dated July 21, 2017 issued by the Board to SWPL under the Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1981 and under Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1981, stands cancelled/ revoked with immediate effect,” the decision reads.

“As in the absence of valid consent to operate under the Air Act and the Water Act, SWPL cannot continue operation,” it stated further.

Board has directed MPT to ensure that after the expiry of the 15 days period SWPL is not permitted to handle any cargo particularly coaking coal/coke at the berth number 5A and 6A.