Ullal: Following the Ullal Barge mishap, Dharthi company that owns the barge on contract has been issued notice by the Environment Department, as a precautionary measure in case of oil spillage.
It may be recalled that a barge that was brought to Mogaveerapatna from Mumbai had started sinking on June 3 on its way back to Mumbai, after hitting the reef laid across to curb sea erosion. All of 27 workers on board were rescued after prolonged operation, but the barge could not be saved from sinking.
Now, with the fear of oil spillage looming large, the Pollution Control Board Director Rajashekar has issued notice to the company relating to the incident and also seeking an explanation on the same from the company.
The details on the stock and the fuel inside the barge has been procured, following a meeting between officials from Environment department, Coast Guards and other stakeholders. The details available state that 2,400 lts of diesel has been stocked in the barge.
Even as the locals have said that oil spillage has began, the officials have said that no oil spillage has been witnessed so far. The water sample from the mishap spot is being collected on daily basis.
As per sources, responding responsively, the Dharthi Company has deputed Smit Salvage Company based in Gujarat to empty the fuel from the barge. Smit Salvage is considered the best in the field.
However, the salvage company has failed to start the work as of now due to unfavourable weather conditions. Turbulent sea too has added to the woes.
With fuel clearance works put on hold, the locals say that the marine life will be hit badly in case the spillage begins.
