Oil spill stops, danger still afloat

Mumbai: The oil that washed ashore on Monday at Sewri and Colaba finally stopped flowing, but the scare may be far from over. While the sea at the Geeta Nagar slum in Colaba was painted in hues of black, locals in Raigad district reported signs of the oil spill on their shores. About 879 metric tonnes of oil has flowed into the sea from MSC Chitra's second and third fuel tanks so far. More than 500 containers have fallen into the sea, posing a major hazard to navigational channels of Mumbai Port Trust and JNPT, whose operations remained suspended on the third consecutive day. However, MbPT chairman Rahul Asthana said since the width of the ship was 32 metres, even if it listed at 90 degrees, much of it would still be above water.
    Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sought a report on the incident from the cabinet secretary. The director general of shipping ordered an inquiry into the causes of the accident after he held a meeting with representatives of all agencies monitoring the situation. Sources in Delhi said a survey of the area by the Navy on Monday showed that 10-12 containers were still blocking the navigational channel.
    Chief minister Ashok Chavan, his deputy Chhagan Bhujbal, and environment minister Suresh Shetty went on an aerial tour. Later, Shetty said the oil was spilling at the rate of 2-3 tonnes per hour.
    Meanwhile, a constable of the Mumbai police's marine unit died after he fell off a boat near the sinking ship.

SLICK AND THE CITY: A youngster's oil-smeared palms show the extent of pollution at Geeta Nagar in Colaba on Monday