Team Herald
VASCO: Finally, the pontoon MS Bhagirath-1 that had ran aground at Arossim beach on April 15, was removed from the grounded area of the beach and the process to lift the scrap from the beach will begin from Tuesday, South Goa Collector Swapnil Naik said.
According to Naik, workers involved in salvage operations on behalf of Arihant Ship Breakers (owner of the pontoon) had obtained permissions to cut the vessel into pieces so that it can then be pulled using a winch, which was breaking down frequently due to the excess load. The last portion of the pontoon wreck was pulled towards Arossim beach on Friday.
“It is a sign of relief as the pontoon has been completely removed from the beach and the scrap has been dumped on the higher portion of the beach. I was monitoring the situation to ensure that the pontoon should be removed,” Naik said
He added, “The company has informed me they will start removing scrap from Tuesday. It is expected that the beach will be free from all scrap by Friday.”
Meanwhile, staff of Arihant Ship Breakers informed Herald that the scrap presently lying at the beach is about 250 to 300 tonnes and the process of cutting it has begun. Once this is completed, it will be transported to the yard. “We are in final stages to finalise the warehouse where these scrap will be dumped after lifting it from the beach.” Arihant staff said.
Though the pontoon has been removed, the demand of action against those responsible for the pontoon menace, made by Cansaulim Villager’s Action Committee (CVAC) remains.
CVAC said they would continue to take up the issue until the government initiates action against those responsible for the pontoon menace.
