Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Jun 12: A week after 27 workers were rescued from a sinking barge, the environment department has issued notice to Dharti company which was running the barge under contract, as a precautionary measure in case of oil spillage.
The barge, which had arrived at Mogaveerapatna near Ullal relating to the work on prevension of sea erosion, had started sinking on June 2 after it hit the rocks that were laid on the reefs.
All the workers were rescued subsequently. The accident had taken place due to heavy wind and violent tides. The barge could not be saved and was allowed to sink as there was no other way out.
Meanwhile, locals had said that oil had spilled from the barge. The environment department asked for a report from Dharti company regarding the matter. Pollution Control Board director Rajashekar Puranik issued notice relating to the incident seeking explanation from the company.
A meeting under the leadership of environment department involving Coast Guard, project director, and ADB officials was also held subsequently. A report regarding the stock inside the barge including fuel was also obtained.
The environment department director said that the barge is carrying around 2,400 litres of diesel and so far no oil spill has been witnessed. He said water sample around the area has been obtained on daily basis to prove this.
Dharti company has responded positively to the notice after it was served for the second time and has engaged the best salvage company named Smit Salvage based in Gujarat to empty the fuel from the barge.
But Smit Company has so far failed to empty the fuel due to bad weather conditions in the area. As the fuel tank and motor are under the sea, it has been difficult to reach the place. The emptying can be done only after reaching the nearby compartments.
But if the fuel cannot be emptied due to weather and other conditions and in case the oil spillage takes place, it is feared that marine animals will suffer because of this. The officials said in such case, a Mangaluru based company will use chemicals to dilute the effect of oil spillage. The environment department has assured the locals that any situation will be managed by it efficiently and has asked them not to worry.