Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco

Vasco, Jul 20: In a significant step towards curbing coal-related air pollution in Mormugao, local authorities have begun installing a massive dust screen along the Sada-Desterro road. The screen, stretching 750 metres and standing 5 metres high, is expected to shield residential areas from harmful coal dust drifting from the nearby port.

The initiative was officially launched on Saturday by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar in collaboration with Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Pvt Ltd (AMPTPL). AMPTPL Business Head Sandeep Roy, port officials, and local residents were also present at the event.

Addressing the media, Amonkar said residents had endured years of suffering due to coal dust pollution. He highlighted multiple pollution-control measures already in place, including the Rs 200-crore coal-handling dome constructed by Jindal South West (JSW).
“We also rerouted heavy coal trucks that previously moved through Sada, Jetty and Bogda. Now, they use the Varunapuri flyover, avoiding residential zones,” Amonkar stated.

The dust screen will be installed from Sada Bus Stand to El Monte Theatre, beginning with a 250-metre stretch in the first phase.

Dispelling concerns over increased coal activity, Amonkar assured, “There has been no increase in coal handling at the port. I am also urging AMPTPL to build more domes to further contain pollution.”