Panaji (Goa) 

The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in its recent report has spelled more trouble for Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) by concluding that coal transportation is a biggest source of pollution at the port and its vicinity.

NIO senior scientist Dr. Ramaswamy, who assisted officials of Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for their study, conducted pre and post monsoons in 2016, has recommended hundred percent concretization of coal handling area to facilitate cleaning up and reducing pollution in MPT and Vasco area.

 “Compared to minerals like limestone, sand or iron ore, coal transport is a bigger source of pollution because of the special properties of coal like low density, friable nature and black/grey colour,” NIO said.

NIO had claimed that inhalation of coal dust can have adverse health effect. The study revealed that the coal pollution at the MPT and its vicinity was between severe to moderately polluted, both which are dangerous for human health.

“Coal dust which if inhaled can have adverse health effects like coalworker’s pneumoconiosis which is known colloquially as “black lung”, because the colour of the lungs turns black on continuous exposure. Coal dust can coat almost everything from vegetation, exterior and interior of houses, food, clothing etc,” the report stated.

NIO had recommended setting up of continuous air quality and weather monitoring stations and measuring dust fall to keep track on pollution.

MPT is currently facing wrath of people and the judiciary over coal pollution and access cargo handling at its berth Number 5A and 6A operated by M/s South West Port Ltd.