Karwar, July 12: A bitumen spill from a cargo vessel at Baithkol Port in Karwar, Uttara Kannada district, has triggered concerns over marine pollution after a significant quantity of the material reportedly leaked within the port premises and is suspected to have entered the Arabian Sea.
The vessel, which had arrived from Shinas Port in Oman carrying thousands of metric tonnes of bitumen, is believed to have developed a leak either during cargo unloading operations or due to a technical malfunction. The exact cause of the spill is yet to be officially confirmed by the authorities.
Environmental concerns have intensified as residents fear the leaked bitumen could adversely affect marine ecosystems, including fish and other aquatic life. If the substance spreads across the sea surface, it could also disrupt the movement of fishing boats and small vessels. Boat owners have expressed concern that bitumen residue may stick to boat hulls, leading to operational difficulties and financial losses.
Following the incident, the concerned agencies reportedly initiated cleanup operations to contain and remove the spilled bitumen. However, local residents have urged the authorities to conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the volume of the spill, the quantity that entered the sea, and its potential impact on the coastal environment.
Residents have also demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident to establish whether any negligence or safety lapses contributed to the spill. They have called for strict action against those responsible and the implementation of stronger safety protocols to prevent similar environmental incidents in the future.
