Oil spill spread 20 km in Chennai, environmentalists say ‘’too late’’

The oil leakage from the refinery of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) has not yet stopped.

Almost a week has passed since the oil leak from the refinery. Coast Guard officials said that the oil spill in Chennai has now spread to more than 20 square kilometers in the sea.

Chennai's eco-sensitive Ennore Creek says the damage is getting worse. Oil is floating on Kosasthalaiyar river. Thick layers of tar balls and oil can be seen at many places along the coastline. Traces of oil can also be seen on beaches and fishing boats.

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, during its investigation, found deficiencies in adequate storm water management arrangements in CPCL. Due to this, oil leaked amid the floods that occurred during Cyclone Migjom last week.

Suresh, a fisherman, said, "There are no fish in this area now, they are all dead. Our livelihood is over."

Spill containment methods such as oil boomers, skimmers and gully suckers have been introduced to ultimately stop the spill. However, environmentalist Nityanand Jayaraman said it was too late... "They should have deployed oil boomers earlier and stopped the spill, but they delayed the investigation too much," he said. Environmentally sensitive The Gulf will suffer the most now."

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has directed CPCL to map oil spill hotspots and implement remedial measures. Strict instructions have been issued to ensure zero leakage, violation of which carries the threat of suspension of operations.

Officials say they are working to compensate those who suffered property damage or health risks from the spill Oil-tainted floodwaters entered hundreds of homes during floods caused by Cyclone Migjom Went. After this, residents of many areas reported respiratory problems and skin rashes and infections.