NGO wants Guj Govt to explian ''hurried sale'' of Blue Lady toxic oi

New Delhi, Jul 30 (UNI) The Indian Platform on Ship Breaking has expressed concern over the alleged disposal in a hurry of the toxic waste and oil carried by the ship, Blue Lady(SS Norway), and demanded that the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and Gujarat Maritime Board explain the reason for the sale.

The oil has been sold in the market without the Supreme Court's permission, it said here, pointing out that the apex Court, which heard the Blue Lady (SS Norway) matter on July 26, had taken notice of illegal sale of the ship's oil.

It asked the Gujarat Pollution Control Board to submit its affidavit within one week.

In the last order, the petitioner's lawyer had pointed out that the oil lying on the ship is safer than its presence on the shore since taking it out would create complications due to prevalent illegal trade of waste oil etc.

But the lawyer appearing on behalf of Priya Blue Industries Ltd, which is seeking to dismantle the ship, had argued that due to monsoons there was a danger of contamination of sea due to oil spillage.

Therefore, it was necessary to shift the oil from the ship.

On this, the court permitted to remove oil from the ship under the supervision and guidance of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and the Gujarat Maritime Board.

It said the two authorities shall ensure that the activity does not result in any environmental pollution because of spilling of oil.

''The authorities concerned shall record the details about the weight of oil to be removed from the ship,'' the court had said.

The NGO said ''unfortunately, what was apprehended came true since the oil, which was removed from the ship, has been sold in the market without the court's permission. It is now for the GPCB and Gujarat Maritime Board to explain as to why oil and toxic waste oil were disposed of in tearing hurry.'' UNI