Team Herald
MAPUSA: Ports Minister Michael Lobo has said that no ship carrying naphtha or any petroleum product will be allowed to enter Goan waters without the State government’s permission.
Lobo heaved a sigh of relief after the grounded ship Nu Shi Nalini, carrying naphtha, docked back at MPT.
“Goans are relieved especially the Moushi villagers, fishermen and people along the coastal belt after the ship carrying naphtha returned to MPT after 48 days. Due to rough weather and storm, this ship came and rested over a rock opposite Cabo at Dona Pula without the engine functioning and without crew; it had created hue and cry in the State,” he said.
He said any ship carrying Naphtha or any petroleum product should not enter the Goan water. “We are writing to DG Shipping and MPT that only after proper justification, ships should be allowed to enter into Goan water. I will request the Chief Minister to write to DG Shipping and MPT, stating that that except for cargo and passenger ships, other ships should not be allowed without the permission of the State government,” said Lobo.
He added that he would move a file to the CM to station a vessel of Captain of Ports along the mouth of MPT with coastal police staff to patrol and monitor the ships entering Goan waters.
“Now since the boat is back at MPT, we have instructed MPT to remove and transport the naphtha out of Goa since naphtha is not used in Goa. It is MPT’s duty to tell the owner to remove naphtha or else DG Shipping can invoke the power to take the vessel into their possession until the owner pays off the amount and removes naphtha,” he said.
Lobo added that an inquiry will be conducted in and that Union Shipping Minister would be informed.
Remembering the River Princess disaster, Lobo recalled how the ship remained stationary at Candolim for 10 years until the govt declared it as State and National disaster. “The ship was then cut and removed by getting Rs 100 crore from the Centre. Due to this incident, the beach was totally damaged. Environment was affected and it took 5 long years for the beach to reclaim itself,” he added.
