The Chief Secretary reviewed the extent of oil spillage in the Ennore Creek Area and Buckingham Canal and surrounding villages near Chennai. The Expert Committee had made extensive field visits and concluded that oil spillage had happened from the premises of CPCL entering into Buckingham Canal from Guard ponds and Storm Water Drain ponds finally reaching Ennore Creek. This had adversely impacted people living in the nearby fishing villages. Field inspection carried out by the Chief Secretary and Senior Officers had revealed significant oil deposits in Ennore Creek Area. The oil mixed water which entered the houses of several coastal communities had spoiled their personal belongings and adversely impacted their livelihood as the boats were found coated with oil. District Collector Chennai and Greater Chennai Corporation have been directed to enumerate the number of families affected by oil spillage. This Notification was published on the date of 11.12.2023.
Government of Tamil Nadu has already mobilized a team of senior officials to undertake immediate mitigation measures and provide relief to affected families including fishermen. Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forest highlighted that agencies specializing in such oil spillage management were mobilized from Chennai and Ennore Ports. These agencies have planned to deploy oil barriers, and specialized machinery like gully suckers etc. to absorb excess oil. Twenty boats with men and materials were pressed into service on 11.12.2023 onwards in the Ennore Creek area for mitigation works. A team of senior officers from TNPCB, Forest and Revenue Departments were working in close coordination with District Collectors and monitoring officers to expedite the mitigation and the relief works. The Chief Secretary also directed District Collectors of Tiruvallur and Chennai to convene the meeting of the District Level Oil Spill Crisis Management Group. The State Oil Spill Crisis Management Group decided to monitor the matter on a daily basis till the completion of mitigation and relief works.
