Oil from Washed Up Cargo Vessel On Chilika Coast To be Removed Soon: Odisha Minister

Khurda: Amidst concerns over threat to the eco-sensitive coastal zone of Chilika lake, Odisha government initiated talks with the owner of the Malaysian cargo ship which washed ashore Rajhans island near Chilika Lake on August 7.

State Transport and Commerce Minister, Padmanabha Behera today informed that the district administration has initiated talks with the owner of the Malaysian cargo ship 'Jin Hwa 32' for removal of around 30,000 litres of oil from the vessel.

“Earlier, there were problems in tracing the owner. But now the owner has already sought permission from the Puri Collector for removal of oil from the vessel. Necessary approvals have been granted and once the entire oil from the vessel is removed, steps will be taken for the removal of the vessel,” said Behera.

As per reports, the cargo vessel with dead-weight tonnage of 7,500 had sailed from Mongla Port on August 2 and was heading towards Visakhapatnam Port. After being caught in stormy waters, it drifted towards Odisha.

Earlier, the Indian Coast Guard had written a letter to the owner of the vessel and Odisha government citing that the ship which is loaded with fuel and lubricants, poses a threat to eco-sensitive Chilika as well as Odisha Coast.

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