CHENNAI: Despite concerted efforts by the state environment department and Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) to address the oil slick in the Kosasthalaiyar River and Ennore Creek, tar balls have now reached Pulicat backwaters, raising concerns among the local fishing community. This development comes despite the National Green Tribunal’s imposed deadline, which ended on Sunday.
Fishermen in the area suspect that the tar balls have emanated from the Ennore oil spill, with reports of beachgoers from Koraikuppam, Old Pappankuppam, and Vairavan Kuppam discovering significant volumes of tar balls washed ashore on Saturday morning. Sea water and beach sand were found to be oily, prompting worries about the potential impact on the ecosystem.
Vinoth, a fisherman, explained that the oil slick had lingered in the Ennore Creek due to the inflow from the Kosasthalaiyar River. As the inflow ceased, sea currents carried the oil to the Pulicat sea. With Cyclone Michaung keeping fishermen away from the sea for 20 days, the additional challenge of the oil slick has raised concerns about further delays in fishing activities.
Durai Mahendran, the general secretary of the Tiruvallur District Traditional United Fishermen Association, expressed concern over the inability to sell caught fish due to contamination. The oil slick is not only affecting the sea but is also entering Pulicat Lake, impacting the livelihoods of 33 fishing villages in the region.
Fisheries department officials visited the affected area after being alerted by the fishermen, who have requested compensation for the losses incurred. A fisheries department official stated that the situation is not deemed serious, emphasizing that the tar balls washing ashore could affect fishing but would eventually get buried over time. However, he assured that samples would be collected for testing if larger quantities of the oil slick reach the region in the coming days.
The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal has directed CPCL to clear the slick by Sunday, with the next hearing scheduled for Monday in the suo motu case.
Source: DT NEXT
