Oil Spill from Chennai Refinery Grows, Devastates Environment: Delayed Response Criticized

Oil Spill from Chennai Refinery Grows, Devastates Environment: Delayed Response Criticized

VoM News Desk | December 14, 2023 | 11:07 AM IST | Tamil Nadu | Follow on Google News

Oil Spill from Chennai Refinery Grows, Devastates Environment: Delayed Response Criticized

Oil Spill from Chennai Refinery Grows, Devastates Environment: Delayed Response Criticized

The oil spill stemming from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd’s refinery has expanded, stretching over 20 square kilometers into the sea, causing havoc in Chennai’s eco-sensitive Ennore creek. The spillage has infiltrated the river Kosasthalaiyar, forming tar balls along the coastline and leaving oil layers in pockets that impact fishing boats and coastlines.

Blamed on inadequate stormwater management at CPCL during Cyclone Michaung-triggered floods, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board attributed the disaster to an overflow of oil-mixed water. Fishermen, including Suresh, mourned the loss of marine life, lamenting the disappearance of fish and the toll on their livelihoods.

Though spill containment strategies like oil boomers, skimmers, and gully suckers have been put into action, environmentalist Nityanand Jayaraman criticized the delayed response, advocating for immediate measures to protect the creek.

CPCL received stern directives to map oil spill hotspots and enforce corrective actions, facing the threat of operational suspension for non-compliance. Efforts are underway to compensate individuals affected by property damage or health issues due to the oil contamination during the cyclone-induced floods, causing respiratory problems and skin infections.

Supriya Sahu, Tamil Nadu Environment Secretary, outlined plans to bring in more equipment and experts specialized in oil skimming. Despite the passage of nearly a week since the incident, a comprehensive assessment of the spill’s magnitude is still pending.

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