Vasco: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Wednesday resolved to ban coal handling operations at Mormugao Port and decided to meet chief minister Pramod Sawant to seek a final decision on a total prohibition.Councillors from the Mormugao constituency attended a special meeting dressed in black, holding placards reading “Say no to coal, amka kolso naka,” protesting rising coal dust pollution. Of 25 members, 19 were present, along with senior administrative officials, police and Goa State Pollution Control Board representatives. Officials of the Mormugao Port Authority and coal companies were absent.MLA Alina Saldanha Amonkar condemned their absence and asked the MMC chief officer to revoke licences issued to the port authority for failing to act against coal firms. “My fight against coal dust pollution and foul smell will continue till coal import stops,” she said.Councillors also questioned pollution monitoring systems and alleged lack of consultation by authorities. tnn
