which emanated from the handling and loading of coal and its transportation, this Court by an Order dated 04.04.2007, inter alia, found that although it is stated on behalf of the Respondents Mormugao Port Trust that 90 percent of the coal and coke handling activity is already shifted from berths 10 and 11 to berths 5A and 6A of the Mormugao Port, it was stated by the Amicus Curiae that the dust emanated from the berths 10 and 11 continues to cause pollution to the residential areas in the port town. It was also noted that the Goa State Pollution Control Board has been monitoring the said position but this has not been accepted by the concerned Respondents who wanted that the operation should continue at berths 10 and 11. Accordingly, this Court directed that the NEERI which is an independent agency be appointed to monitor the ambient air quality in the town of Vasco da Gama, in order to ascertain as to whether the air pollution from coal handling operations at berths 10 and 11 are violating the standard set out for the port areas and also standard set outs in the residential areas at the port town. Further directions were also issued to NEERI to set up devices with regards to dust operations at the points indicated by the Amicus Curiae on the plan and that NEERI would be free to set up the devices at set out points in case they consider it necessary other than the points so suggested. On 30.06.2008, Agency NEERI reported high Respiratory Particulate Matter and Suspended Particulate Matter levels at the Port and in Vasco Town which warrant immediate attention by the authorities. The said Agency further recommends various immediate short term and long term measures to be effected so as to control the alarming measures of pollution found therein.
