Central probe team finds no toxic waste on US ship at Alang

The Central probe team which inspected the controversial US ship Platinum-II anchored at the Alang shipyard in Gujarat has given a clean chit to it saying there were no toxic materials on board.

The report has been submitted to the Environment ministry which will take a final decision on the fate of the US liner ship next week after taking into consideration all aspects, sources in the ministry said.

Meanwhile, environment groups have threatened to approach the Supreme Court against the team's observation.

In its report, the three-member team constituted by the Centre said, "no hazardous waste has been found in the ship in loose form or as cargo. During inspection, no radioactive material was found except radio signals and a few sign boards."

According to sources, the members have further suggested that as per established procedures, radioactive materials will be disposed of at the authorised waste disposal centre (Bhaba Atomic Research Centre).

Regarding allegations that the 682-ft ship is loaded with material contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and asbestos-containing material (ACM), the report claimed that the content was much less than what contained in Blue Lady ship, the dismantling of which was allowed by the Supreme Court at Alang shipyard a few years back.