Local MP K. Haribabu has mooted formation of a team consisting of officials of Visakhapatnam Port Trust and the trade to study the functioning of green ports in the places like Hong Kong, Singapore and Colombo and replicate their best practices in the city to contain dust pollution due to handling of coal.
At a meeting held with port and representatives of the trade here, he said the success stories of green ports should be implemented by VPT.
He stated that the main motto of the meeting was to stop dust pollution in Visakhapatnam by way of covering the dusty cargo at stacks with tarpaulins and asked the trade to extend cooperation.
Mechanisation
Speaking on the occasion, VPT Chairman M.T. Krishna Babu said that the ongoing mechanisation programme would not only significantly improve the efficiency parameters but also help contain pollution.
He explained the measures being undertaken to reduce pollution. Initiating the discussion, Mr. Krishna Babu made a presentation on key contribution of the port regarding handling of bulk cargo, environmental planning and green initiatives.
The Chairman said that port handles dusty cargo such as coal essentially required for power plants. The fugitive emissions while handling such cargo was one of the important environmental aspects for designing the mitigation plan, he explained.
Regular monitoring
Mr. Krishna Babu stated that they had set up Environmental Cell and Environmental Monitoring Committee by involving stakeholders, members representing the trade, defence, industries and AP Pollution Control Board. The port had also engaged Andhra University, GITAM University and APPCB for regular monitoring of air ambient quality and water quality. As the first step in controlling dust, mechanical dust suppression system was commissioned.
Treatment plant
He said a Sewage Treatment Plant with 10 MLD was commissioned for sprinkling water on roads and stacking areas to avoid dust pollution.
All efforts were being made to suppress dust by mechanisation.
Local MP suggests formation of a team to study green ports in other countries
