Goa's iron ore jetties turning into multi-commodity facilities

, Sept 24:

's

giants have begun converting their riverside jetties from single commodity to multi-commodity jetties, which can unload coal, coke and similar freight, after the year-long closure of the state's iron ore mining industry.

Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) officials confirmed that they have received seven applications from mining companies seeking consent under the Air and Water Pollution (Control) Act, to convert their single commodity jetties into multi-commodity jetties.

While major commodities would be coal and coke, which are raw materials for pig iron and steel rolling mills, applications also seek consent unloading of slag, iron, cement, clinker, iron pellets, maize, raw sugar and sand.

GSPCB Chairman Jose Manuel Noronha said permissions have been granted to two jetties owned by D B Bandodkar and Sons and Counto Metals and Mining Company Ltd, which own their jetties in Cotambi village in North Goa, 50 km away from here, in the mining heartland.

Three other companies, Vasantrao G Mehta, Bandekar Bros and Pandurang Timblo Industries have also applied for similar consent. Pandurang Timblo has filed applications to convert its Capxem jetty in Sanvordem and Rumod jetty near Cotambi into multi commodity jetties. GSPCB has also received applications from one Ashok Kakodkar to build a new jetty, for which inspection of the site is on by GSPCB officials, Noronha said.

PTI