Cong resolves against MPT coal handling facility in Goa

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Goa today resolved against the coal handling facility at the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) which is facing opposition from some quarters for causing pollution.
The CLP, which met at Porvorim, also resolved against nationalisation of rivers.
Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar chaired the meeting which took stock of the political and social situation in the coastal state.
"Congress party stands with the people in their opposition to coal expansion and river nationalisation projects. We will ensure that government do not allow these two projects to take shape," Kavlekar told reporters after the meeting.
He said both the projects are against the wishes of the people.

"It is the duty of the state government to scrap these projects as people don't want them," he said.

Kavlekar alleged that the projects are persuaded only to benefit a few corporates.
The CLP also urged government to immediately resolve the ongoing iron ore transportation issue through an amicable solution.
"Mining activities has to resume in the state. People who are employed in this industry need to get the benefit and hence government need to come out with an amicable solution," Kavlekar added.
The truck owners in Goa are fighting for the better rate for transporting iron ore.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Centre on nationalisation of rivers in the state would be signed only after taking people into confidence.

Under the project, the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Goa government have to sign an MoU to develop the states rivers.
Certain sections of the people in Goa have expressed apprehension about the project claiming traditional fishermen and those dependent on rivers would lose authority over the water bodies.
The MPT has leased out its capacity to Adani Murmugao Port Terminal Private Limited (AMPTPL) and South West Port Limited (SWPL). While AMPTPL handles about 5.2 million tonnes of coal annually, the SWPL 7.2 million tonnes.