Team Herald
MARGAO: In a strong worded message, Goan Seafarers Association of India (GSAI) President Frank Viegas on Saturday stated that the Indian coast is not to be taken for granted and further implored the shipping industry to keep a strict control and vigilance on the ships to have their pollution control equipment onboard in working condition.
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The GSAI in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, Goa held a cleanup drive at Benaulim Beach, supported by the Village Panchayat of Cana Benaulim, as “Cleans Well 2021” on the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
Frank said that the ships should be using the shore-based facilities for their garbage, waste oil, and sludge disposal/discharge and not to manipulate the oil record book (ORB).
He urged the government to take care of the marine pollution affecting our beaches today.
“Presently, we have taken the initiative to clean up with the locals, seafarers and Indian Coast Guard personnel,” he stated.
Further, Frank said that it is a major concern to the stakeholders especially from the tourism sector and the fishermen. The State government has to take the issue to the Union Petroleum Minister, Shipping Ministry and Environment ministry seeking a solution to the recurring problem of discharge of oil sludge at sea that wash ashore before as well as after the monsoon.
The GSAI President stressed that Goa being a land of sun, sand and seas, the seafarers have lot to offer in terms of hospitality and tourism as well as being the home of so many seafarers. We have to take care of our environment for our future generations, and take care of the bio-diversity and the marine life so that we can have clean swell, trash free seas and to protect our happy place should be concerned of each and every Goenkar.
According to Frank, the association has been in the forefront of organising the said event for a number of years now.
“It is a good gesture of the Indian Coast Guard who associated with the GSAI for this event. The Indian Coast Guard are doing their excellent service towards the country and especially towards the seafarers whether you are in distress, rescue operations or abandon of ship,” he stated.
He said in recent days the Goa coast was witnessed by oily substances or tarballs plaguing the coastal areas and beaches. It can be due to the negligence of some shipping vessels.
