Vasco Residents Demand Action Over Foul Odors from Mormugao Port Coal Operations
Residents of Headland-Sada and surrounding areas in Vasco have raised serious concerns about persistent foul odors and suspected harmful emissions linked to coal handling activities at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA). The community has expressed growing frustration over the issue, which they say has been largely ignored by authorities despite repeated complaints.
Community Health at Risk
In a formal letter addressed to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and the district collector of South Goa, local social activist Parshuram Sonurlekar highlighted the significant discomfort and health problems faced by residents. The odors are particularly potent at night, causing respiratory issues and sleep disturbances among vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
The letter describes the smell as having a distinct sulfurous or rotten-egg-like character, which strongly suggests possible emissions of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or other hazardous gases released during coal handling operations. This has led to widespread anxiety about long-term health impacts and environmental degradation in the area.
Loss of Trust in Regulatory Authorities
Despite previous complaints to relevant authorities, residents feel their concerns have been largely dismissed, resulting in a significant loss of trust in the GSPCB's ability to protect public health. Sonurlekar emphasized the urgent need for continuous air quality monitoring and transparent data sharing to address what he calls a "public health emergency."
"The community deserves to breathe clean air and live without fear of toxic exposure," Sonurlekar stated in his letter. "We urge the GSPCB to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take immediate corrective measures."
Official Response and Investigation
In response to the growing outcry, GSPCB chairman Levinson Martins announced that a team of officials would be dispatched to the MPA to investigate the allegations thoroughly. The team will:
- Assess the current air quality situation around the port area
- Identify potential sources of the foul odors and emissions
- Prepare a detailed report for further action by the board
Martins assured that the board would take appropriate measures based on the investigation findings, though he did not specify a timeline for resolution.
Community Awaits Timely Intervention
The residents of Headland-Sada and neighboring areas continue to await timely intervention from authorities. They have called for:
- Regular monitoring of air quality with publicly accessible data
- Strict enforcement of pollution control measures at the port
- Compensation for affected families
- Long-term solutions to prevent recurrence of such incidents
As the investigation proceeds, the community remains hopeful that their health and environmental safety will finally receive the attention they deserve from regulatory bodies.
