Pollution caused by coal dust is again fuelling protests in the port town of Vasco, with residents alleging that the pollution control measures suggested by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) are not being honoured by Mormugao Port Trust.

Residents alleged that illegal overloading of coal-transporting trucks was compounding the problem. The allegations follow two recent accidents of coal-laden trucks overturning at Chicalim slope. Though the six-wheeler trucks are expected to carry only 9.5 tonnes, they were allegedly overloaded.

"We are not against the activities at the port but coal dust escapes through the covers (on the trucks) due to overloading and houses near Tilak Maidan have turned black," said Uday L Nagarsekar, chairman of Vasco Welfare Forum. Simon Pereira, convenor, Mormugao Bachao Abhiyan alleged that coal pollution control measures suggested by NEERI are not being honoured by MPT.

When contacted over the phone, MPT chairman Pravin Agrawal declined to comment. "I don't want to comment on the issue," he said, disconnecting the call.

Environment minister Aleixo Sequeira, on the other hand, said he was aware of the problem "but, the matter is being handled by the high court and we are bound by its directives. Whatever directives are issued, we will ensure they are implemented in letter and spirit".

Following a directive from the high court, NEERI had assessed the impact of coal dust pollution on the air basin around the port, especially from coal loading operations at berths 10 and 11, and concluded that the pollution was beyond the permissible norms set by Central Pollution Control Board and Goa State Pollution Control
Board.