PANJIM: As the State government continues to explore various methods to empty 2,600 tonnes of naphtha from the unmanned tank grounded off Goa coast since October 24, the opposition Congress foresees a situation similar to Bhopal Gas Tragedy, in case of any gas leakage.
The tanker with 2,600 tonnes of naphtha, a flammable liquid, 50 tonnes of heavy oil and 19 tonnes of diesel has run aground near Dona Paula, 2.5 nautical miles off Panjim coast in the Arabian Sea. The ship, which was anchored five nautical miles in Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) harbour, had started drifting due to cyclonic winds on October 24.
Addressing media persons on Wednesday, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar said it’s been almost 14 days since the vessel grounded off Goa coast, and that the government has failed completely with regards to the proposed salvage operation.
“Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is making different statements as far as salvage operation is concerned. There is no concrete move or deadline set to remove naphtha from the ship,” Chodankar said adding ‘government has put lives of lakhs of people under threat’.
“I am making very responsible statement here. We foresee Bhopal Gas tragedy like situation if the naphtha is not removed immediately,” he said.
The Bhopal gas tragedy reported on the night of December 2-3, 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal, is considered to be the world’s worst industrial disaster. Over 15,000 people were killed due to gas release and gas-related diseases, over 55 lakhs were injured.
Chodankar said that if naphtha leaks, it would lead to a disaster with serious health hazards, marine and environmental destructions. “The way the government is handling the situation, it looks like it is not serious at all. Chief Minister has been most irresponsible in handling the situation,” he charged.
He also said that leakage would have impact on country’s tourism as there could be possibility of international advisory against tourists visiting the country.
Chief Minister had on Tuesday told media persons that two Singapore-based companies have come forward to empty the naphtha and that the work order would be issued in a day’s time. He also said that the entire salvage operation will take at least 10-15 days.
He informed that there is no oil spillage and that the ship is also safe.
