VASCO: District Collector of South Goa Ajit Roy stopped the pumping of Naphtha from the Nu-shi Nalini ship to GBL tanks at Bogda.
Roy along with Urban Development Minister Milind Naik, Vice chairman of MPT, GP Rai and few councillors of MMC carried out a site inspection of the Ganesh Banzoplast cargo storage facility on Friday morning. Already around 500 metric tonnes of Naphtha has been pumped into the containers which is reportedly likely to be pumped back into the vessel.
Speaking to the media, Roy stated that on the inspection was carried out following instructions from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
“On Thursday MPT started its operation of pumping naphtha into the GBL containers, but after locals residents raised alarm and objected to the action, the operation was stopped,” said Roy.
When the inspection was conducted, it came to light that there are residential areas, schools and other establishments nearby. Keeping in mind the safety of the people as a priority, instructions have reportedly been given to MPT to stop the pumping of Naphtha into the containers of GBL, Roy added.
Roy informed that approximately 500 metric tonnes of Naphtha have been stored into the containers after only 8 to 10 hours operation.
“Further course of action will be taken shortly,” Roy added.
Urban Development Minister Milind Naik congratulated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for
instructing the district collector to organise the site inspection of the GBL site and immediately stop Naphtha pumping.
“There was some misunderstanding between the Jetty and Sada identifying the area, but I have cleared the doubts and explained the issue to Chief Minister,” said Naik.
Naik also revealed that there was no company person or technician present at the GBL facility during the inspection. The cargo present in the containers will soon be pumped back into the vessel. Naik said that he has given two suggestions to CM Sawant that either the cargo should be pumped back into the vessel and the vessel should be taken into deep sea or government should work out on the solution considering people’s safety.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant later told media that the shifting of naphtha into the GBL containers was done on the order of the High Court that the cargo should be shifted into the GBL containers.
He also said that after people’s objection to the shifting of naphtha into the containers at Bogda, a team was sent to inspect the site along with a minister.
“I have been in constant touch with the DG Shipping, MPT chairman about the Naphtha issue. In my opinion the cargo should be kept in the Nu Shi Nalini vessel and should be transferred into another bigger vessel. Efforts are being made to bring stay on this court order and if need arises, the high court order will be challenged,” Sawant said.
