Ennore Oil Spill: TN Chief Secy Reviews Situation, CPCL Receives Directives

An Expert Committee concluded that oil spillage happened from the premises of CPCL entering into Buckingham Canal from Guard ponds and Storm Water Drain ponds finally reaching the Ennore Creek.

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board issued directions to Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) on Ennore Creek oil spillage on Monday. The state government also reviewed the oil spillage mitigation works in north Chennai. An Expert Committee made field visits and concluded that oil spillage happened from the premises of CPCL entering into Buckingham Canal from Guard ponds and Storm Water Drain ponds finally reaching the Ennore Creek.

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena led a High-Level Committee meeting on Monday for the State Oil Spill Crisis Management Group (SOS-CMG), overseeing efforts to address oil spillage. The meeting included key officials from the state government, Coast Guard, and CPCL. The oil spill has had detrimental effects on residents in neighboring fishing villages.

The release said, "Field inspection carried out by the Chief Secretary and senior officers (earlier) had revealed significant oil deposits in Ennore Creek Area. The oil mixed water which entered the houses of several coastal communities had spoiled their personal belongings and adversely impacted their livelihood as the boats were found coated with oil." 

"District Collector Chennai and Greater Chennai Corporation have been directed to enumerate the number of families affected by oil spillage," it said.

CPCL received directives to implement urgent mitigation efforts, deploying personnel and machinery under expert guidance. The Health Department has mobilized a team of doctors, including dermatologists, to provide specialized treatment to affected individuals.

The Fisheries Department is currently assessing the number of impacted families within the fishing communities. Simultaneously, the Environment, Climate Change & Forests Department is conducting an evaluation of biodiversity loss in the affected area due to the oil spill. Additionally, a special camp has been set up to provide treatment for both domestic and stray animals.