New Delhi, Dec 11 (ANI): The Union Government on Friday clarified that the ship breaking activities of the Alang port in Gujarat and the operational procedures of the ship breaking industry are being followed as per the Supreme Court's directions.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha Union Minister of State for Steel A Sai Pratap said: "As per the order of the Supreme Court, a Central Technical Committee (CTC) under the Chairmanship of Environment and Forest Ministry Secretary was set up to regulate various activities of ship breaking industries."

Sai Pratap informed the House that the technical committee gave its recommendations touching all aspects of ship breaking industry.

"The recommendations are operative by virtue of the Supreme Court Order. Pursuant to the directives of the Supreme Court, a series of measures have been taken for attenuating the hazards of ship breaking and for improving the working conditions at ship-breaking yards," he said.

"Detailed protocols and procedures have been put in place for scrutinizing ships arriving for breaking and for handling and disposing of hazardous materials and wastes," Pratap informed the members.

He said the provisions of existing rules take adequate care of the hazards of ship breaking and added that as and when any shortcomings were noticed the government would take remedial steps.

Pratap said based on the report received from the Gujarat Maritime Board, at present, there are around 17000-18000 trained labourers engaged in ship recycling at Alang by the Ship Recyclers. (ANI)