Inquiry ordered about arrival of a ship loaded with dangerous materials in Gadani: Shahwani
Syed Ali Shah, Ilyas Kamboh :
The Balochistan government has ordered an inquiry into the arrival of a ship loaded with dangerous materials in Gadani district Lasbella on Wednesday. “Government has formed a committee to probe into the arrival of a ship”, Liaquat Shahwani, the Spokesman government of Balochistan said.
Despite a warning from Interpol, a ship loaded with dangerous materials arrived in Gadani. While Interpol had asked Pakistan Interpol and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to stop the ship on April 22, the ship contained 1,500 tons of highly dangerous mercury sludge.
“We have sealed Gadani shipyard after the arrival of the ship”, Imran Kakar said
“We have sealed Gadani shipyard after the arrival of the ship”, Imran Kakar, an officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said. He told Quetta Voice: “On May 24, a letter came from the Federal Ministry of Climate Change saying that a ship was already beached to Pakistan with the presence of reportedly Mercury.
Gadani shipyard sealed https://t.co/PzJ0Nr2kpF pic.twitter.com/KqfZ5Vm4o9
— Quetta Voice (@VoiceQuetta) May 26, 2021
All operations stopped at the shipyard
“We stopped all operational activities after receiving a letter from the ministry of climate change:, Mr. Kakar stated. The ship was not allowed by Bangladesh and India due to hazardous materials. The next day it entered Pakistan and on Wednesday the department stopped work on its breaking and sealed the dock. The ship was coming from Indonesia.
Industry supplying 25% of Pakistan’s total iron consumption
According to unofficial figures, the industry has been supplying 25% of Pakistan’s total iron consumption and has been given special incentives. Apart from iron and machinery, these ships also produce wood, electronic products, utensils, and showpieces which are sold at the Sher Shah Market in Karachi.
This work is considered dangerous, with accidents ranging from fires to iron sheets. An oil tanker caught fire here in 2016, killing 28 workers and injuring more than 50.
