Earthquake triggers oil slick

By Atul Aneja

NEW DELHI, JAN. 26. The earthquake which has caused extensive damage in Gujarat has set off an oil slick near Kandla, which could pose a major environmental problem.

Government sources here say the initial impression is that the slick is ``big.'' It is not clear whether the slick has been caused by a leak from some of the oil tankers which are berthed at Kandla or from the several underground storage tanks which are located there.

Kandla is central to fulfilling India's energy security needs. Several oil tankers are currently berthed alongside the jetty there. Kandla also houses several storage tanks, around 500 metres away on the shore.

Sources point out that it may not be too difficult to contain the slick , in case it has resulted from a leak in the tankers. The slick may, however, cause extensive environmental damage in case some of the storage tanks which contain huge quantities of oil have leaked. Containing seepage from them will be a herculean task. Aware of the consequences, the Coast Guard has dispatched two of its off-shore patrol boats for investigation from Vadinar. The Navy has also dispatched two ships - INS Tir and INS Nirdeshak for assistance.

The armed forces too have planned a massive relief effort. The plan was discussed by the armed forces and representatives of other ministries during a meeting convened by the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. T.R Prasad.

Relief supplies, which include heavy cranes and earth moving equipment have been mounted from Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Pune and Jodhpur. Two Major Generals of the army's 11 and 12 divisions have taken charge of the relief effort in Ahmedabad and Bhuj. Troops, which were out on exercise in the area have been recalled. The Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, has already arrived in Bhuj to take stock of repercussions on security on account of the quake.

The navy is also pitching in with three relief warships. These three ships included two frigates, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sushil Kumar told newsmen here. Naval bases in Porbandar, Jamnagar and Okha had been directed to assist the civilian authorities.

Meanwhile, the earthquake has affected the Indian Air Force (IAF) base of Bhuj. The runway has developed some cracks, but it has not impeded flight operations. Around 15 persons have been killed at the base.

Despite the damage, operational preparedness in the sensitive Rann of Kutch area has, not been affected. This is because the other two air bases, Nalia and Jamnagar, which form part of the air defence network of the area have escaped large- scale damage. Besides, fighter aircraft have not been damaged ad the planes from Bhuj had been recently relocated because the runway there was being resurfaced.

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