Date:07/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/07/stories/2006020702700900.htm

Back SC panel concludes talks on Clemenceau

Our Bureau

Chennai , Feb. 6

THE Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes has concluded its discussions on the question of permitting the decommissioned French warship `Clemenceau' into India, according to Dr G. Thyagarajan, Chairman of the committee.

The fate of the Clemenceau depends on the conclusion of the committee, which met hereon Monday.

The committee's report is to be submitted to the Supreme Court, which will decide the issue.

The vessel is at the centre of a controversy around the presence of high levels of hazardous waste including asbestos.

While declining to comment on the recommendations, Dr Thyagarajan said that the report has been finalised. The issue is coming up before the Supreme Court on February 13, he said.

The Clemenceau has opened up a number of issues that go beyond the individual vessel as far as environmental matters are concerned.

The Supreme Court's decision will be an important turning point on issues relating to environment conservation, Dr Thyagarajan said.