Three-member team starts inspection of US ship Platinum II
21 Oct 2009
Inspection of the US ship allegedly containing cargo toxic to the environment got underway with a three-member team comprising an official from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPBP), the steel ministry and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) arriving at Alang 210km southwest of Ahmedabad. Alang is one of the prominent shipbreaking hubs worldwide.
The three-member team will submit its report by the end of the week.
The ship, Platinum II was granted permission to dock earlier this month amidst protests from environment groups.
The US ship was cleared after a desk review by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and the Central Customs Department.
Komal Kant Sharma, proprietor of Leela Ship Breaking Company, where the ship will be dismantled has urged the investigating team to not go by rumours.
He said that he would go by the guidelines drawn up by the Supreme Court. The apex court had earlier granted permission to a ship carrying 10 times the asbestos on board Platinum II and 10 times as toxic. He said that the company was capable of handling the work.
