(a) whether any study has been conducted by the Government to improve
scientifically the ship breaking facilities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps being taken to train the labourers involved in ship breaking
keeping in view the environmental and occupational hazards;
(d) whether the Government is considering levying fee from the ship owners
for the welfare of labourers and their families; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (SHRI A. SAI PRATHAP)
(a)to(c): As per the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of 17-02-2006, a Central Technical Committee
(CTC) under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests was set up to regulate
various activities of ship breaking industries. The CTC gave its recommendations touching all aspects
of ship breaking.The recommendations are operative by virtue of the Supreme Court Order dated 6-9-2007.
Pursuant to the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, a series of measures have been taken for
attenuating the hazards of ship breaking and for improving the working conditions at ship-breaking
yards. Consequently, detailed protocols and procedures have been put in place for scrutinizing ships
arriving for breaking and for handling and disposing of hazardous materials and wastes. The provisions
of existing rules take adequate care of the hazards of ship breaking. Further, as and when any shortcoming
are noticed, remedial steps are taken.
(d)&(e): Gujarat Maritime Board is running the Safety training and labour welfare institute at Alang.
A total of 54, 277 workers have been trained into the aspects of environment, safety and occupational
hazards. It is mandatory to engage trained labours by the ship recyclers. As such, there is no proposal
under consideration for levying fee from the ship owners.