Team Herald
PANJIM: A retired professor of Goa University has written to Panjim MLA Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate explaining why a scientific method of studying the marine biodiversity, water and air surrounding the Nu-Shi Nalini vessel will help check for pollution.
Scientist Dr Joe D’Souza, resident of Panjim in his letter to the Monserrate, pointed out that the stranded vessel is just a stone’s throw away distance from Marivel village and so poses a threat to the health, marine biodiversity and human population residing at the coastline.
D’Souza, in his letter, has further said that on the day the vessel drifted and ran aground there should have been some systematic monitoring of air, water and soil done immediately. He further mentioned that if the government fails to undertake scientific pre and post monitoring of the ecosystem of the area where the vessel is grounded, then the Panjim residents may have to face the ill-effects of the pollution.
D’Souza has urged the Panjim MLA to order the Department of Environment, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Captain of Ports to take steps to involve Goa University, National Institute of Oceanography and environment impact assessment laboratories with their experts and scientists to submit the status of the sea water and air around the grounded ship. “Scientific studies on urgent basis of this situation are needed,” D’Souza emphasised.
