Media reports indicate that the Karnataka Pollution Control Board would study the recent unloading of coal cargo at Karwar port.

It is learnt that the port is prohibited from unloading coal as it would pollute sea water and endanger the fishes.

The port recently received a consignment of coal cargo and this is said to be first ever import of coal in Karwar port in the past 20 years. TAN BINH 39, a ship with Singapore flag, has unloaded about 6,500 metric ton of coal in the port.

The coal was reportedly imported by a Goa-based firm for its factory. The coal unloaded at Karwar port was later transported to Goa by road.

The company has reportedly used Karwar port to unload the coal as the Goa government imposed stringent conditions on unloading coal in Marmugoa port during monsoon as rain water which washes the coal would pollute sea water.

N Datta, an activist, said that transportation of coal and iron ore on Kali Bridge is banned by the National Highway department.

Activists point out that the transportation of the powdered coal mixes causes lung related problem among the people.