cutters, masks, gumboots etc. that they are providing apart from their cadets who have been assigned to the task. We are providing vehicles, safety gear and labour. The health hazard to the labour and cadets is of utmost importance. We have remov
ed about 4 dumpers of oil mixed cloth and other garbage from the mangroves so far.
The clean- up should be complete in two days,” Patil added.
A renowned environmentalist, who is currently heading a government appointed committee said on condition of anonymity, ” If the oil leak covers the mangrove roots and rootlets, it would be very difficult for them to survive. You see, the roots and rootlets generally come above the ground for breathing. What is most important is the quantity of oil and the frequency with which it is hitting the mangroves. If the oil does not let them breathe, it affects their vitality.
But generally, the mangroves are very tolerant. The last time there was an oil leak, it had stretched till Alibaug in the neighbouring Raigad district. But the mangroves later survived even after a few months of being affected.”
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