Why Alang is Alag (Discrete)!!

Alang, a town near to Bhavnagar City of Gujarat, India have become one of the major worldwide center for ship breaking. Even, one of the longest ship ever built i.e. "Knock Nevis" was sailed to Alang for demolition. Also, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), on August 7, 2013, proposed to set up six nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 6,600 MW in Mithi Virdi, Gujarat, near to Alang.

Now, question arises "Why Alang is Alag".

This happened yesterday evening, as I was waiting on bike for more than half an hour to pickup my friend near Iscon Temple, Ahmedabad, couple of Police Officers came to me, and inquired about my motive, which is very good patrolling practice.

After my document verification and giving them reason of being there, they asked me "what I do". I told them I am environmental consultant, and I work for environment protection and pollution abatement. Listening to it, they asked me to join them, to know how they daily face noise and air pollution, on road.

Being a great opportunity of getting a good experience, I happily accepted there offer. As we were discussing on the consequences of noise and air pollution, i.e. SOx & NOx, one of there senior officer, who worked at Alang, Gujarat, came and joined us.

The senior officer asked me "Why Alang did not follow any legislation?". In brief, he told me, Alang is one of the worst place to work. There is very high amount of oily chemicals spillage and thrown rusted metals, on the beach. Also, one should not forget the ongoing illegal small ship breaking work.

After doing some literature survey on toady morning, I have found that, the officer was right. The following google earth images show the reality. The red highlighted area show spillage, with bad scrap storage practice on the beach.

Considering above mentioned points as well as legislative requirement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), there is need of taking some strong steps by the Government as well as local bodies.

Suggest us regarding the measures to be taken, to avoid these type of practices.