Panaji, Jan 13 (IANS): The Congress's Goa unit on Friday demanded that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari give a written assurance to the state that in line with popular sentiments the expansion of coal handling facilities at Mormugao Port Trust will not be allowed.

Addressing a press conference here, state Congress Spokesperson Yatish Naik said that the written assurance from the Shipping Minister was sought since it "does not believe in any assurance by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who has backtracked on several promises in the past".

"It is necessary that Gadkari and MPT give in writing that they will respect public which is against the expansion of coal handling capacity," Naik said.

The issue of coal pollution erupted in Goa after the trust, handling the coastal state's only major port, sought permission from the Union Ministry for Environment and Forest for redevelopment and expansion of four berths at the port.

Three companies operate coal handling berths at the port, namely Adani Group, JSW Steel and Vedanta.

"The assurances and utterances of our Chief Minister are meaningless, considering his past track record of going back on his word and making repeated U-turns," Naik claimed.