MoTC presents contingency plan for marine pollution to national disaster management committee
19 MAR 2020 - Source: Global New Light of Myanmar - The Ministry of Transport and Communications submitted its National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution to seek the approval of National Disaster Management Committee yesterday.
Vice President U Henry Van Thio, in his capacity as chairman of the committee, delivered an opening speech at this event which was held at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw.
The plan includes objectives to adopt policy, system and national-level framework on guidelines for coordination among state agencies, relevant organizations and individuals to ensure minimal impacts through immediate response to marine pollutions.
The Vice President acknowledged that the plan met an objective of the Disaster Management Department to minimize loss of public lives and properties, and its task for prevention of natural disaster, awareness programmes and training courses on reduction of disasters.
The ministry has defined "water pollution" as a contamination caused by petroleum, its products, cooking oils and toxic chemicals leaked from vessels, offshore drillings and oil pipelines.
The Disaster Management Law 2013 has defined "a natural disaster" as a result caused by natural or man-made accidents or negligence , chemicals or oil spills.
Vice President U Henry Van Thio also quoted an objective of the Myanmar Investment Law—to develop responsible investment businesses which do not cause harm to the natural environment and the social environment for the interest of the Union and its citizens; paragraph 64 (d) of its rules— to carry out the investment in a responsible and sustainable manner, including by, as relevant, limiting any potentially adverse environmental and social impacts.
He also discussed response plans of the ministry to the disasters at local level, sub-national level and national level, receiving external assistance in case of insufficient domestic aid.
Union Minster U Thant Sin Maung presented the drafting process for the plan and its legitimacy.
Experts of natural disaster management also discussed the need of equipment to monitor marine pollution, international ocean pollutions caused by oil spills and offshore disasters, losses and damages and recovery plans.
Recommendations on the national plan were also made by members of committee and Union Ministers Lt-Gen Sein Win, U Kyaw Tin, Dr Pe Myint, Dr Aung Thu, U Thant Sin Maung, U Ohn Win, U Win Khaing and Dr Myint Htwe; Deputy Ministers Dr Min Ye Paing Hein and U Soe Aung; together with officials.
Vice President U Henry Van Thio gave advice and comments to ensure coordination based on the discussions and advised to review advantages and disadvantages in the plan.—MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)
