(a) whether the severe pollution is being caused by
the coal handling and dumping in the Marmagao Port;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the extent of
air and water pollution in the vicinity of the port;
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to prevent the said pollution;
(d) whether the Union Government has received any complaints in this regard; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a) to (c): No, Madam. The port has taken all possible steps to keep the pollution
from handling of coal/coke at the port within permissible limits. These are:-
(i) Water is sprayed continuously to control the dust generation during operations.
(ii) The Coal/Coke stacks at the port are covered with tarpaulins.
(iii) Steep demurrage charges are charged to discourage overstay of Coal/Coke cargo.
(iv) The Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) is being carried out continuously
by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) so ensure that the pollution is
kept within permissible limits.
(d) & (e): No complaints in this regard have been received in this Ministry in the recent past.