Prutha Goa

While the Earth is struggling under the threat of the complete devastation of its environment, humans continue to plough through nature’s goodness, abusing and taunting her with our lucre-laden plans. Now in the line of attack is Goa; the land of sunshine, beaches and the bountiful coconut tree. The Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) is slowly expanding its reaches to accommodate the temporary housing and transportation of coal from mines in Australia to steel and power plants in Karnataka. In 2012, the Goa State Pollution Control Board ordered the MPT to shut down coal handling operations at berths 10 and 11 because the people of Vasco were suffering the effects of pollution due to coal. Although there was compliance in this regard and limited coal handling at berths 5-A and 6-A, which were leased to Jindal South West Port LTD (JSW), the relief was short-lived. Coal pollution continued to increase because of the increase in coal and coke imports into the port and the low standards of handling