Panaji, October 11, 2019 …Minister for Ports Shri. Micheal Lobo yesterday launched a New Oil Soil Collection Vessel at the Captain of Ports Jetty, Panaji. CCP Mayor Shri. Uday Madkaikar, Secretary Ports Shri. P.S. Reddy IAS, Captain of Ports Shri. James Braganza, Former Mayor Shri. Vithal Chopdekar, Local Corporator Smt. Soraya Pinto Makhija were present among others.
The vessel costing Rs. 4.18 crores and can suck upto 7000 litres of oil in its tank.
Calling the vessel a milestone to Captain of Ports Department, Shri. Lobo said that the vessel was much in demand and will prove as an asset to Goa’s waterways. “The vessel will be stationed at Brittona and move according to the distress call, get the oil to shore to send it for further inquiry/research. Collecting oil before it spills in the water is necessary and environment friendly process,” he said.
“Due to stoppage in mining, the state has lost a major source of its revenue. Hopefully it will be resolved shortly which will be a great boost to barge owners and other people who have lost their jobs. Government is also planning to wave-off the barge tax,” Shri. Lobo informed.
Shri. Madkaikar also spoke on the occasion. Shri. James Braganza welcomed and later proposed the vote of thanks. A live demonstration of oil collection was given to those who were present on the occasion.
