NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Rallying behind the people opposed to pollution causing coal handling operations of the Mormugao Port Trust, the Goa Forward Party on Sunday asked the state government to adopt a proper mechanism to control pollution caused by the operations.
Speaking to media persons in Panaji, chief spokesperson of the GFP Prashant Naik urged people not to oppose expansion of coal handling by the MPT, as the state economy has been dependant on the MPT since the time turmoil in the mining sector began.
“The open handling of coal causes pollution, which has been much above the permissible levels. Our demand is that the coal handling should strictly be closed with stringent watch at every level.
The vehicles carrying coal also need to be covered,” Naik said adding that if pollution caused by the coal operations is stopped then the people would not oppose the MPT’s berth expansion.
“People must know that coal is a major component in electricity generation, and Goa does not produce electricity. We receive it from the central quota and the western grid.
To generate electricity we require coal, so I feel that opposing coal operations at the MPT is against the interest of our country and our state,” he said.
A large number of Goans works at the MPT and if the MPT shuts shop then it would affect their livelihood, Naik said adding that if Goans oppose each and every project of the government then they should make their passports and be ready to leave the state.
Slamming MPT chairman I Jeyakumar for calling the people attending the hearing as outsiders, Naik said, “I feel that the MPT chairman is totally wrong in making such a statement. We have punished the people who are against Goem, Goemkar and Goenkarponn… I feel that all the officers working in Goa should be very cautious while uttering every word.”
On the nationalisation of Goan rivers, he said the GFP has conveyed its concerns on the move to Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari.
“We are opposed to the nationalisation of Goan rivers as we don’t want any kind of hindrances to day-to-day activities of traditional fishermen. Moreover there is a provision in the act concerned which says the riverbank area of 500 metres would also fall in the ambit of nationalisation. Hence we are opposed to it. The GFP has raised the concerns and if they are addressed then there would be no need to oppose the nationalisation of rivers,” he said.
Commenting on the GFP’s demand of special status to the state, Naik said, “We don’t require special status. But we want a good financial package from the central government.”