Greenpeace slams Indian Environment Ministry

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) Another toxic ship rejected elsewhere is headed for the Alang port of Gujarat for dismantling, environmental watchdog Greenpeace said today, slamming the Government's poor record in developing policies that ensure safe environment and protect underpaid workers in the ship recycling business.

In three months since the decommissioned French warship Clemenceau was forced to return to France, Governments in Europe have started work on creating a roadmap for a safe and sustainable way to handle end-of-life ships, Greenpeace toxics' campaigner Ramapati Kumar told a news conference.

''Sadly, in this period, neither the Ministry of Environment and Forests nor the Indian ship breaking industry took steps to create shipbreaking policies that are environmentally sound and safe for workers'', he said.

In the meantime, the 46,000 tonne S S Norway -- which carries an estimated 900 tonnes of asbestos and other globally banned and cancer causing chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls and heavy metals -- is headed for Alang for dismantling, after being puchased by Regent Shipping for 17 million US dollars from Star Cruise, Malaysia.

It was earlier refused permission to dock in Bangladesh for dismantling.

''If stakeholders in India led by the government do not rise to the occasion now and secure Alang's place in the new evolving world order in the shipping industry, the loss will be irretrievable and India will no longer be a destination of choice for the recyling of ships,'' Mr Ramapati said.

To a question, he said the Clemenceau would arrive at Brest, France, on May 16 and would be sent back to India for dismantling after being decontaminated. ''We have no problems with the Clemenceau being sent back to Alang once it is fully decontaminated''.

UNI VN MSJ BD1539