Visakhapatnam: Replying to the letter of Vizag MP Kambhampati Haribabu showing concern on increasing coal dust pollution in the city, the Visakhapatnam Port Trust authorities have assured the MP that they have taken various measures and will take up more in future to check pollution. The VPT authorities mentioned that mechanised coal handling system, mechanical dust suppression system, covering of coal stacks with tarpaulin are some of the measures taken to check generation of dust. Besides, green belt was developed, high-rise walls have been constructed as part of the preventive measures, the letter said.
The VPT also claimed that it had taken up massive plantation programme by planting 4.3 lakh plants in the last 27 years at different operational areas and the steps taken to check pollution have paid off as the port was adjudged the second best port under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The port will also take further measures as suggested by reputed consultants to improve the air quality. The authorities however denied the allegations that the pollution is due to coal cargo handling.
“In the health camps conducted for the people residing close to the operational areas of the port, no such lung infections, liver disorders have been identified. Even the annual medical check-ups of the port employees do not confirm to ill-health caused due to pollution,” the VPT authorities claimed.
