In the aftermath of cyclone Michaung, more than one lakh litres of oily water and 393 tonnes of sludge have been successfully extracted from Ennore and transported to the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) plant for treatment and disposal. CPCL, the primary entity responsible for the oil spill, is actively involved in the cleanup process.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that six studies, involving top government institutions including IIT Madras, are underway to assess the extent of damage caused by the oil spill. The NGT had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of the pollution, prompting the board to submit details about the oil’s alleged spread to the ecologically sensitive Pulicat Lake.
TNPCB, in a recent hearing, stated that there were no tar balls observed in the lake near the fish landing centre. However, it noted the presence of tar balls on adjacent beaches at Koraikuppam and Koonankuppam, which were subsequently cleared.
CPCL, in its report, asserted that while mangroves remained unaffected, traces of oil were found along the outer line of the mangroves near the mouth of the Buckingham Canal. This area is currently undergoing cleaning under the guidance of the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, with an estimated completion time of two months.
The company reported having cleaned over 1,100 houses and shops with oil stains on walls and household items. However, the NGT expressed concerns about the effectiveness of CPCL’s method, suggesting the use of enzymes to break down oil stains. The tribunal directed CPCL to adopt a different and more efficient cleaning method for houses and shops.
