http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/28/stories/2005072804862200.htm
Oily beach leaves Goa vexed Anil Sastry A tourist paradise grapples with what may be the dregs from an oil tanker Photo: Arvind Tengse FROM THE BLUE: A mess on a South Goa beach on Wednesday. PANAJI: The spectacular silver sandy beaches in Salcete Tauka, South Goa, remain covered with an oily substance much like tar balls since Tuesday. While the deposit threatened the prospects of tourism on which the State depends, pollution concerns are also raised. A large number of tourists visit Goa even during the monsoon. Rain has been lashing the area for several days now. The coastal belt from Cavelossim to Benaulim, which houses a number of star hotels and which is a major centre of tourist attraction, now wears an awful look. Residents said not less than 4 km of the beach is affected. Visitors and tourists were unable to move on the beaches. A resident said that although such deposits were not new to the coastal belt, the enormous quantity that has come in this time worried them. Deputy Chief Minister Wilfred D'Souza and the Chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board L.U. Joshi visited the areas on Wednesday. Dr. Joshi told The Hindu that the substance must be the outcome of washing of bunkers of empty oil tankers on high seas. He ruled out any accident involving vessels. The Arabian Sea is a major route for oil tankers, which move from the Gulf countries to India and East Asia, Dr. Joshi pointed out. He said the oily substance would have evaporated during normal weather conditions. However, due to rough weather and the churning of the waves, they have reached the shore in large quantities. He ruled out any large-scale pollution. He said the Board has collected samples for examination. As help from the authorities to remove the substance was not forthcoming immediately, many hotels deployed their own personnel to clean the beaches. South Goa Collector J.B. Singh said it was not possible to hold anyone responsible for the incident. He said it would be the responsibility of the local bodies to clean up.