Mormugao BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar has reiterated his opposition to coal pollution in Mormugao. Saying that he has been against coal pollution in Mormugao without question, the BJP MLA recommended that the handling of coal at the Mormugao port should be done in a domelike structure to reduce the level of pollution.
While social media comments questioned Amonkar’s stance, on Sunday the MLA said JSW Group’s CSR activity of giving motors to fishermen must not be confused with his stand on coal pollution.
He maintained his firm stand on the subject and declared that he will not allow coal pollution at the MPA. He asserted that he had already notified the companies at the port that reduction in the effects of coal pollution on local residents could be achieved only in the domelike structure.
He stated, “These are two separate issues and the programme on Saturday was to help each struggling fisherman with an engine motor worth Rs 1.5 lakhs through CSR activity from the JSW Group.
We have given 32 motors to fishermen, and they are happy that a company has reached out to them for a social cause because they could not afford the motor. We have now taken up a medical camp where we have called specialised doctors to offer health benefits.”
Amonkar declared that he would not tolerate or allow coal pollution at the port as mentioned in his manifesto. Companies at the port have already been warned they must have a dome-shaped structure to control the pollution that local residents have to suffer.
Mormugao taluka in the last few years has become infamous for its coal pollution. BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar has fought pollution caused by improper coal handling at the Mormugao port even as a Congress party member.
Amonkar’s stand came into question when certain individuals on social media became doubtful that the MLA may have switched his manifesto just as he switched political parties. Amonkar argued that his position was absolute and that no coal pollution would be allowed unchecked in his constituency.