The Hindu Business Line : BR Petroleum asked to submit report after tank collapse

The Cochin Port Trust has asked Mumbai-based company BR Petroleum to submit a report immediately, following the collapse of one of the chemical storage tanks erected by the company in Willingdon Island on Sunday.

The port had leased out land to the company to set up eight tanks for storage of petroleum products and edible oils. Senior port officials who visited the accident site said all these tanks were in the construction stage and the tank, which collapsed was full of water — filled as part of test loading the capacity.

The cause of the accident would be revealed only after the company submits the report. The officials, however, dismissed the allegations that the tanks contain various chemicals imported through the port. It is pointed out that the tank started collapsing when the water filled in it as part of loading test was being drained out into another tank.

Residents protest

Meanwhile, protest is brewing among the residents in the locality at Vathuruthy near the Island over the decision of the port management to lease out lands to set up storage tanks. This is the third time in two years that such accidents have occurred. A benzene tank had caught fire in December 2004 and another tank collapsed in June last year killing one person.

The residents pointed out that majority of these tanks in the locality were being set up without taking any adequate safety measures. The area selected for the site was once marshy land and there was no proper piling and foundation before these tanks were constructed.

They also criticised the attitude of the port management in giving sanction to construct tanks in the area, which is very close to various strategic locations including the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command. Despite previous accidents, the port authorities have not taken any care to ensure the safety of the people in the locality, they alleged.

According to officials, the port had given land to construct such tanks subject to the party obtaining all necessary statutory clearances from concerned authorities including the Pollution Control Board, the Factories and Boilers Department and the fire service. The Union Government has laid down conditions before handing over the land to parties concerned in erecting tanks. There are regulatory agencies to inspect the various stages of construction and the final certification will be given only after taking all precautions.

On the criticism of leasing land in the residential area, the officials pointed out that relocation of these tanks to some other areas is not possible as the specified area at Vathuruthy is a secluded place and ideal for setting up storage tanks. Moreover, it is the legitimate activity of the port to handle various types of cargo including liquid, which needs storage tanks, the officials said.