MARGAO
The Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) in co-ordination with the Indian Coast Guard, Goa held a cleanup drive at Benaulim beach on Saturday, supported by the village panchayat of Cana Benaulim, as #cleanswell2021 on the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
GSAI president Frank Veigas said GSAI has been in the forefront of organising the event for a number of years now, adding that it is a good gesture of Indian Coast Guard who associated with GSAI for this event
“The Indian Coast Guard is doing their excellent service towards the country and specially towards the seafarers whether you are at distress, rescue operations or abandoning of ship. In recent days, the Goa coast has witnessed oily substances or tar balls plaguing the coastal areas and beaches it is suspected to be due to the negligence of some shipping vessels”, he said.
In a strong worded message, Viegas said that the Indian Coast is not to be taken for granted and further implored the shipping industry to keep a strict control and vigilance on ships to have their pollution control equipments onboard in working condition whether it is oily water separator (OWS) along with incinerator on board and the sewage treatment plant (STP) too.
He further said that the ships should be using the shore-based facilities for their garbage, waste oil, sludge disposal/discharge and not to manipulate the oil record book (ORB).
He urged the government to take care of the marine pollution affecting the beaches, adding that the initiative has been taken to clean up with the locals, seafarers and Indian Coast Guard personnel.
“It is a major concern to the stakeholders especially tourism stakeholders and the fishermen. The Goa government has to take up the issue with the Petroleum minister, Shipping Ministry and Environment ministry Govt of India seeking a solution to the recurring problem of discharge of oil sludge at sea that wash ashore before as well as after the monsoon”, he added.
