Tamil Nadu: After Cyclone Michuang in Chennai and Tiruvallur, oil leak found in Ennore Creek at CPCL

In the aftermath of Cyclone Michuang in Chennai and Tiruvallur, the oil leak was found in Ennore Creek at Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL). Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has asked the company to take necessary action. In order to accelerate the process, the State Oil Crisis Management Group held its meeting under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena yesterday.

The Committee took review of the mitigation works underway in the Ennore Creek area and it’s impact in the villages. The Committee was informed that Oil boomers were put in place to contain the spread of oil. An Oil skimmer machine was pressed into service yesterday to extract oil from the creek. Four more oil skimmers are planned to be deployed in the next two days. To speed up the mitigation work, 75 boats and 300 personnel have been pressed into service.

These boats are involved in the suction of oil from the surface and transporting it safely. Four gully sucker machines have been deployed to suck the oil from the water surface. The work regarding the cleaning of oil soaked debris from nearby villages had begun with JCBs and other equipment. CPCL has been directed to further ramp up the mitigation work by deployment of more number of oil boomers, skimmers and trained manpower.

In order to take care of the health of people located in nearby villages, the Health department has set up mobile camps with specialized doctors. Department of Animal Husbandry has organized special camp for treatment of impacted stray and pet animals in nearby villages. Teams from Forest Department, TNPCB and Department of Environment have been positioned on ground to monitor. CPCL has also been directed to ensure that all precautionary measures are taken during the mitigation work to safeguard the health and safety of people engaged in the operation.

CPCL has been categorically told to ensure that protective gear and safety equipment were provided to the teams engaged in the work. Oil Crisis Management Group directed the Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation and Director of Fisheries to undertake a comprehensive review of the impacted families and submit the list to the Relief Commissioner.