GPCB chairman K V Bhanujan said that, according to laboratory tests, the chemical drained from affluent storage tanks in the protected area of the Marine National Park was not acidic or poisonous, so it has not damaged the Marine National Park.
The state government has, however, directed Tata Chemicals to take enough preventive and precautinary measures to ensure that no such spill occurs in future from the plant.
Highly placed sources said Tata Chemicals chief operating officer L Mukundan had submitted an affidavit and assured the pollution control board that the company will construct a cement pond for affluent storage and clean the marine park for possible pollution.
However, Mukundan could not be contacted for his comments on the issue. Director of the Marine National Park, R J Asari said the complaint has been registered against the company under the clause No.29 and 32 of the Wild Life Protection Act 1972.
The actual damage can be assessed only when the chemical settles down and it may possibly damage the mangroves and banthic (a short of sea grass).
