Mumbai oil slick spreads; pesticide bottles at sea
The oil slick after Saturday's ship collision off the Mumbai harbour is spreading fast and thick and all coastal districts of the state are on high alert.
"It's a serious concern and we are trying our best to contain the damage," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan told NDTV as an environmental disaster threatened the state's coast. He has also warned against eating fish.
"This is a serious issue. The Coastguard and the defence people are looking into it. We have already filed cases against the captains of the two ships which are from abroad. Today I am going to do an aerial survey of the site but I would say the state and the Union government is doing its best. Definitely it is a matter of concern and we have advised the people in that area not to go in for fishing because fishes and the marine life in that area is bound to be affected by this oil slick. We are trying to contain it as far as possible."
Two merchant ships, MSC Chitra and Khalijia, collided on Saturday at the mouth of the Mumbai harbour. The MSC Chitra tilted sharply under the impact, resulting in the oil spill. The other ship, Khalijia was at the harbour for over a fortnight for repair work when the collision took place.
When the MSC Chitra collided it had a cargo of 1219 containers. The cargo contained 2662 tonnes of fuel, 283 tonnes of diesel and 88040 litres of lubricant oil.
The oil slick has now spread to the Alibaug and Uran areas. Swathes of oil are also approaching the Elephanta caves and may affect the mangrove belt along the coastline. Coast guards have said it will be tough to contain the oil spill because of tidal conditions.
The Mumbai Port is currently shut for business and fishermen have been asked not to go out. The Maharashtra government is meeting with all forces involved in rescue efforts today to assess the situation.
Besides the oil, the floating containers that came off one of the ships also pose a navigational hazard. A case has been registered against the captain and crew of both ships. The Director General of Shipping has also ordered an inquiry.
"It's a serious concern and we are trying our best to contain the damage," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan told NDTV as an environmental disaster threatened the state's coast. He has also warned against eating fish.
"This is a serious issue. The Coastguard and the defence people are looking into it. We have already filed cases against the captains of the two ships which are from abroad. Today I am going to do an aerial survey of the site but I would say the state and the Union government is doing its best. Definitely it is a matter of concern and we have advised the people in that area not to go in for fishing because fishes and the marine life in that area is bound to be affected by this oil slick. We are trying to contain it as far as possible."
Two merchant ships, MSC Chitra and Khalijia, collided on Saturday at the mouth of the Mumbai harbour. The MSC Chitra tilted sharply under the impact, resulting in the oil spill. The other ship, Khalijia was at the harbour for over a fortnight for repair work when the collision took place.
When the MSC Chitra collided it had a cargo of 1219 containers. The cargo contained 2662 tonnes of fuel, 283 tonnes of diesel and 88040 litres of lubricant oil.
The oil slick has now spread to the Alibaug and Uran areas. Swathes of oil are also approaching the Elephanta caves and may affect the mangrove belt along the coastline. Coast guards have said it will be tough to contain the oil spill because of tidal conditions.
The Mumbai Port is currently shut for business and fishermen have been asked not to go out. The Maharashtra government is meeting with all forces involved in rescue efforts today to assess the situation.
Besides the oil, the floating containers that came off one of the ships also pose a navigational hazard. A case has been registered against the captain and crew of both ships. The Director General of Shipping has also ordered an inquiry.
posted by faburous @ 2:20 AM
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