Arihant Ship Breakers have finally succeeded
in cutting the remaining portion of the grounded ‘Bhageerath’ pontoon from
Arossim beach on Friday night.
The pontoon was grounded for the last 71
days, posing a threat to the biodiversity of the beach and also became a threat
to people including tourists who visit the beach. Arihant Ship Breakers had
earlier cleared half portion of the grounded pontoon. It may be recalled that
‘Bhageerath’ pontoon was grounded at Arossim beach some after the local
panchayat body granted permission to organise a night wedding party off Arossim
beach.
The villagers have strongly criticised the
local panchayat body for issuing permission to hold the party and have demanded
immediate action against the sarpanch and secretary.
The Minister for Science and Technology Alina
Saldanha has issued directions to Arihant Ship Breakers to clear the grounded
pontoon from the site. The state government agencies including the district
collector South and deputy captain of ports was constantly following up the
issue.
Speaking to this daily, Minister for Science
and Environment Saldanha have disclosed that she was extremely happy as Arihant
Ship Breakers has cleared the grounded pontoon from the Arossim beach. “The
meetings which were held with various government departments and agencies have
finally paid off”, said Saldanha.
“The district collector south Swapnil Naik
who was responsible for the task and other concerned departments have fulfilled
their duties”, said Saldanha and further disclosed that the deputy captain of
ports Premlal Sirsaikar have assured her that he would insure that no metal
parts are dumped at the Arossim beach.
“I have been also assured by the deputy
captain of ports that the owner of the Arihant Ship Breakers would identify a
site to dump the debris of the pontoon”, stated Saldanha.
Source: navhind
times. 26 June 2016
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