Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jan 18: The process of scrapping the ‘Bhagwati Prem’ dredger vessel, which had arrived at NMPT in order to conduct dredging in the port and was on the verge of sinking, is underway.
Sonar Impex Company took the contract to break the ship through tender. However, it did not get an NOC since a year. Now permission is granted from CRZ, pollution control board and deputy commissioner. Hecne, the work began on Tuesday.
The company has taken the ship breaking work on Rs 4.5 crore contract. It has employed more than 50 labourers in breaking the ship. It will take around five to six months to break the vessel that is 114 meter long, 21 meter wide and weighing 9,400 thousand tonnes.
Merceter company of Mumbai origin had deployed two dredgers for dredging work in NMPT in 2019. Due to technical reasons, during monsoon, one of the dredgers got sunk into the sea even before entering the port area. The other dredger Bhagwati Prem was towed to Guddekopla and anchored. Furnace oil and engine oil were emptied from the vessel to prevent sea pollution.
Local fishermen have urged to carry out ship breaking work without causing any pollution in sea waters. MLA Dr Bharath Shetty and Sonar company officers have promised to maintain the interest of the fishing community.