Naphtha pumping ops delayed again

PANJIM: As the government continues to give fresh deadlines to pump out the 2,400 tonnes of naphtha from the ill-fated ship to another vessel, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has indicated another delay in the process citing careful removal of the chemical. Amidst all this, Director General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has formed a five-member committee comprising of its officials, Goa Chief Secretary and Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). 

“The only risk is to shift the naphtha to another ship and they (the firm) have to undertake all the precautions while carrying out the process. This is why there is some delay but there’s nothing to worry. The government is taking all the precautions,” Sawant told reporters on the sidelines of inspecting the new site for High Court of Bombay at Goa, Porvorim on Thursday. 

The CM further said that two companies have submitted its quotations and while DG Shipping has not finalised on any, private salvagers from Singapore will be tasked with the work. “The DG Shipping is briefed about the matter and it has finalized a five member committee that will also have our CS on board. The DG Shipping has taken the responsibility of the operation,” he added. 

According to reports, the ship known as MV Nu Shi Nalini carrying tonnes of naphtha was anchored near MPT when it started to drift toward the Raj Bhavan at Dona Paula last month due to strong winds and heavy rains. With around 12 days passing since it ran aground, the government has giving deadlines to shift the chemical to another vessel. A First Information Report (FIR) has already been registered at the Harbour police station against the owners of the vessel and others concerned for negligence and endangering public safety.

In September, a citizen’s forum known as Goa First, had raised concerns about the alleged sick ship anchored at MPT since July, which they alleged was a potential disaster waiting to happen at the port town, River Zuari and the West Coast of India.