The Tamil Nadu government’s State of Oil Spill Crisis Management Group (SOS-CMG) has directed the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) to undertake urgent measures to remediate the oil spill in the Ennore-Manali region. The group, led by Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, addressed the adverse impact on the livelihoods of the local fishing community.
Residents complained of health issues such as headaches and skin irritation, along with a significant loss of livelihood. The spillage from CPCL premises into Buckingham Canal prompted the SOS-CMG to prioritize mitigation efforts. Fishing boats and equipment have been damaged, and the oil spill has extended 20 sq. km into the sea.
The Indian Coast Guard has joined cleanup actions to prevent further environmental damage, emphasizing the need for swift action to protect the fragile ecosystem. The Health Department has deployed a medical team to assist affected locals, and an assessment of impacted families is underway by the Fisheries Department.