Panaji, Apr 3 (TOI): The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) renewed the consent to operate granted to South West Port Ltd (SWPL), a unit of Jindal Steel Works, to handle 4.8 million tonnes of coal up to a wind speed of 30km/h, instead of 10km/h.

On February 21, the pollution board had directed South West Port to stop operations if wind speed crosses 10km/h.

After the representation from the public that there is coal pollution in the port town, the board had stopped the South West operation. It has also allowed the company to handle limestone and steel slab.

As per the consent, the board has asked SWPL to take precautionary measures with proportionate scaling down of operations when wind speed exceeds 28km/h.

“All operations should stop at a wind speed of 30km/h,” as per the consent terms. However, the wind restrictions will not be applicable during the rainy season from June to September. The conditions are also not applicable for green/non-dusty cargo.

The board said the port facility should submit an action plan within one month with a detailed layout plan and settling pond arrangements to ensure that no rain water contaminated with coal enters water bodies. It added that the unit shall install vertical garden and maintain the same whenever possible within the port and periphery.

The pollution control regulator directed that the coal stacks should be covered and sprinkling be done during the loading/unloading of coal. Further, the port handlers have been asked to install cameras at the stacking premises so that the operations could be monitored by the board and the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) within three months of the issue of consent.

The MPT has been asked to share the weather forecast to the handlers at the port immediately on receipt.

“If cargo is dispatched by wagons, then all should be properly covered by tarpaulin and tied neatly to avoid spillage. The unit should also study the aspects of having a mechanized system for covering the wagons and submit an action plan for the same,” as per the terms of the consent.

The board said the handlers should have a complete plan of arrival of ships and the permitted handling capacity shall be strictly adhered to. Further, they have to submit a monthly cargo handling data to the board and also maintain records of the same.

“For the purpose of source apportionment study in respect of dusty cargo handled in the port including coal, the handlers shall jointly contribute periodically towards the expenses incurred for the said study to the MPT,” the board said.