HC refuses to stay coal handling at Goa port

Panaji, Oct 10 (IANS) The Bombay High Court Bench in Goa on Thursday refused to stay coal handling operations at the Mormugao Port Trust. It also sought pollution data on the port town of Vasco, before making a call in the case.

The Bench, comprising of Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Justice Mahesh Sonak, was informed by the government counsel that a comprehensive study on the pollution in Vasco, being conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, would be complete by 2020.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Goa Foundation, a non-government organisation, and others seeking end of coal and coke handling operations at the Mormugao Port Trust.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 11.

There has been several protests against handling of coal at the Mormugao port. Vosco residents fear increase in coal and dust pollution.