Divided panel prepares two reports for SC

Considering the 8216;8216;sensitive nature8217;8217; of the issue and 8216;8216;the extremely serious international ramifications8217;8217; any decision is bound to have, the panel has prepared two options.

8216;8216;Both options are very clear in their intentions to protect India8217;s environment and workers. The country8217;s dignity is very well protected by both options,8217;8217; a source said. Saying that they were merely 8216;8216;a committee of scientists8217;8217; and that a higher authority should decide, the SCMC decided to send its reports to SC on Wednesday.

Those who supported the entry of the ship argued that the French Government stood to lose a stiff bank guarantee if the ship has 500 tonnes of asbestos, as alleged by environmentalists, instead of the 45 tonnes as claimed. They also felt that international laws including the Basel Convention could not stop the ship from entering India.

The three who opposed its entry, including Thyagarajan and activist Claude Alvares, were reportedly 8216;8216;mollified8217;8217; by being given the chance to put down its option that lays down 8216;8216;stiff conditions8217;8217; for the Clemenceau to enter India.

Thyagarajan allayed fears about environmental degradation, while giving no hint as to what the committee had decided.