The Gujarat Maritime Board has cleared the beaching of the "Oriental N" at Alang after inspections following objections by environmental groups. No objectionable material was found during a series of inspections by pollution control authority, customs and safety directorate, GMB said in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court. The ship was checked for contents and quantity of asbestos, oil, nuclear materials.
Environment activists said the ship was not decontaminated as per the court's guidelines and should not be allowed to beach at Alang. The Supreme Court has asked the GMB to decide on the anchoring and beaching of the vessel. Dismantling can be done as per the court's September 6, 2009, directions.
The rules mandate that ships should be decontaminated thoroughly before being brought to India's shores. Deep sea inspections were carried out by Gujarat Maritime Board, Gujarat Pollution Control Boards, Customs authorities and Safety Directorate.
Following the affidavit of GMB, the Supreme Court will take a final decision whether to allow the ship to be beached or not.
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