PANJIM: After keeping Goans under fear for more than two months, the dangerous naphtha which was brought to Goan shores on the ill-fated Nu Shi Nalini, is finally scheduled to leave Goan shores.
The process of pumping out naphtha from the Ganesh Benzoplast tanks, located in thickly populated Vasco, into the ship MT Global Peak docked at berth no 8 at MPT, has begun and is expected to be over by late Tuesday night.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant announced the development on social media saying, “Pleased to announce that the naphtha at Ganesh Benzoplast is being taken out of India by MT Global Peak. I reiterate that safety and well-being of Goans is our top priority and our government remains committed to protect the interest of Goa.”
After 48 days of remaining grounded on the rocks off Dona Paula, the vessel was re-floated late night on December 12 by Dutch company Marine Masters and towed away towards Mormugao Port Trust.
The vessel was laden with about 2,800 tonnes of naphtha, 50 tonnes of heavy oil and 19 tonnes of diesel.
After grounding of ship the State government had blamed MPT for allowing the ship to enter Goan waters. Ports Minister Michael Lobo too had blamed MPT for allowing the vessel in Goan waters, knowing it contained dangerous chemicals.