Chennai’s Ennore Creek grapples with the aftermath of an oil spill caused during cyclone Michaung, triggering extensive efforts involving 75 boats and 300 workers tasked with clearing the spill. The spill, originating from Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), has deeply impacted the coastal habitat, biodiversity, and aquatic life, affecting numerous families reliant on this ecosystem for their livelihoods.
Despite over 10 days passing since the spill was reported, the crisis continues to disrupt lives. The state government has directed CPCL to intensify mitigation efforts by deploying additional booms, skimmers, and trained manpower for the cleanup process.
Videos shared by news agency ANI showcased workers collecting spilled oil manually, while machinery aids in the extraction efforts. The State Oil Crisis Management Group, under Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena’s leadership, reviewed ongoing mitigation endeavors in the Ennore Creek area and impacted villages during a recent meeting. CPCL received explicit directives to prioritize the safety of personnel engaged in the cleanup.
Boats actively retrieve oil from the water’s surface and transfer it to shore, aided by four gully sucker machines. Cleanup initiatives encompass oil-soaked debris removal from nearby villages, with booms set up to contain oil spread and oil skimmer machines in action. Plans are underway to deploy four additional skimmers to bolster the cleanup.
Health measures, including mobile health camps for residents and specialized setups for stray and pet animals, have been initiated. Multiple departments, including the Forest Department, TN Pollution Control Board, and Environment Department, oversee these efforts.
The Oil Crisis Management Group has instructed comprehensive assessments of affected families by the Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation and the Director of Fisheries, with the aim of submitting a detailed report to the Relief Commissioner.
The spill’s origin and timeline remain under scrutiny, initially noticed by fishermen during cyclone-related heavy rains on December 4. CPCL denied any leakage, raising questions about the oil mixing with floodwater and emerging from their premises. The state pollution control board confirmed CPCL’s involvement, tracing the spill’s path from the company’s premises to the Buckingham Canal and Ennore Creek.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in a December 12 hearing, mandated the state to compensate for the substantial livelihood losses suffered due to this environmental catastrophe, underscoring the urgency to address the impact on affected communities and restore the fragile ecosystem of Ennore Creek.
Sources By Agencies
