Chennai Petroleum mobilises resources, takes lead on cleaning up oil spill on TN Coast
Chennai Petroleum leads oil spill clean-up on TN Coast, deploys 75 boats and 300 personnel. Chennai: Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) has mobilised its resources and taken the lead on cleaning up the oil spill that occurred in the Ennore Creek area due to Cyclone Michaung. The oil spill has affected the livelihoods of the local fishing community and the environment of the region.
According to the Tamil Nadu government, CPCL has deployed 75 boats and 300 personnel for the oil spill mitigation work, along with containment booms, skimmers, gully suckers and other equipment. CPCL has also been directed to provide protective gear and safety equipment to the teams engaged in the operation, and to ensure that all precautionary measures are taken to safeguard their health.
The oil spill was first reported on December 9, 2023, when a video showing oil slick on the water surface went viral on social media. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened and sought reports from CPCL and the Kamarajar Port authorities. CPCL initially denied any pipeline leak, but later admitted that some oil had reached the estuary due to heavy rains and flooding.
The State Oil Spill Crisis Management Group (SOS-CMG), headed by the Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, reviewed the situation and the mitigation work on December 11, 2023. The group also directed the Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation and the Director of Fisheries to undertake a comprehensive review of the affected families and submit a report to the Relief Commissioner.
The Coast Guard also conducted an aerial survey and claimed to have prevented further damage to the ecosystem. The government also outlined mobile health camps for the people and the animals affected by the oil spill. The former Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar visited the site and held CPCL accountable for the disaster.
