Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, May 5: Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner (DC), Subodh Yadav, asked all the large-sized companies located in the district, to file complete information about the steps they have taken towards the emergency handling of natural calamities.

He was addressing a meeting organized on Wednesday May 4 at his office, to collect information on the above from the concerned, in view of the approaching rainy season. He directed officials of Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers, Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd, BASF, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, and New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), to furnish details of the plan of action that are undertaken within their premises, without meddling with environment outside. They have been given two weeks time to file these details.

He also asked these companies to show more concern towards the people living in their neighbourhood, and to educate the people in the vicinity about the steps to be undertaken in case of disasters or accidents. He asked the officials to be in preparedness to face possible natural calamities and man-made disasters. He expressed his anguish at the delay in taking remedial steps after the accidents of two tankers in Nelyady recently.  He also directed the officials of fisheries and ports departments to draw up a plan of action relating to the shifting of those living near the seashore to safer places in case of tsunami.

He specifically told the gas-filling companies that the tankers sent from their premises are not permitted to be parked by the roadsides freely. He warned them of punitive action if they fail to adhere to this instruction. About the sea pollution caused by oil discharge into the sea as reported by the fishermen, he sought reports from NMPT and Coast Guard. He promised stern steps against anyone polluting the sea.